By DAVID GREENE

This week we asked readers how important free speech is to a society in light of the terror attack of a satirical magazine in Paris.

I feel that they tried to assassinate the character of (the Prophet) Muhammad and the people that did it, I don’t think they were Muslims, so they’re judging Muslims according to other religious groups. I think the press handled it well, because they only went on what they heard. As far as the brutality, I think we all have to come together as one. I think a lot of writers are in fear of their publishers and what’s really happening out here today because of politics.
William Troupe, Norwood

 

 

The importance of the media? That’s where people get their information. We don’t have firsthand knowledge of anything. We rely on sources and unfortunately the media tends to play up the extremes and they don’t necessarily give two sides to everything, which is really important to think things through and not just jump to immediate conclusions. So it’s really important, and I would ask the people to not just depend on one source for information.
Myra Goggins, Pelham Parkway

 

 

It’s is really very tragic. We are very upset what happened and it has to be stopped, this kind of terrorism. The media is very important to everybody. It’s just really a very tragic moment that happened. I saw the rally in France where people came from everywhere, leaders. The media has to tell every person what’s going on. Whoever has the opportunity or who has the responsibility, they have to go on and stop these things killing innocent people.
George Dedzukaj, Belmont

 

 

The media is very, very important in explaining the truth, but it seems like the media today is one-sided and leaning towards the right too much. But as far as what happened in France, that was an act of terrorism over there, but it affected the entire world. Terror and killing people is not the answer, especially when you’re talking about peace. It doesn’t make any sense. The media needs to get out there and speak the truth for peace, not make things worse to make money. I have a lot of respect for the media, but when the reporting is lopsided, I feel there’s something wrong there.
Doug Murphy, Pelham Parkway

 

 

We need a media that’s honest and just and who’s giving everyone the proper information regarding different issues. Because of what happened they feel they are threatened to say whatever they think should be happening and it’s like you have to learn how to hide the truth the way they want it to be. But in fact the media is very important because everybody is busy and we want to know the truth, so we’re relying on the media…for the proper information, so we can make proper decisions when it comes to decision making in our lives.
Analiza Benjamin, Westchester Square 

 

 

Editor’s Note: Have an idea for an Inquiring Photographer question? Send suggestions to dcruz@norwoodnews.org.