Double-Edged Spear

There's a lot of controversy here about the painting by Brett Murray, entitled  The Spear, depicting President Jacob Zuma with exposed genitals. The argument seems to be raging about "Freedom of Expression" versus the infringement of rights to personal dignity.

Freedoms are accompanied by responsibilities. In my opinion, while freedom of expression is a right of great importance, the abuse of it is not a right. Whatever Brett Murray may think of  Zuma the man, the highest office in the country deserves some measure of respect. Freedom of expression to expose wrongs or maladministration is laudable. Cheap shots to boost oneself are not.  In this case, the so-called Freedom of Expression does nothing to expose any wrongs, or to improve any situations. All it achieves is to display a total lack of respect, in a country where respect is already an entity in short supply.

It doesn't build, it simply breaks. To my mind, Brett Murray has simply gained himself some publicity at the expense of the nation's dignity.