Criticise ideas, not individuals, when expressing disagreement – UniMAC lecturer
Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Media Studies at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), Dr Paul Herzuarh, has urged Ghanaians to criticise the views and actions of public officials rather than attack them personally, saying the line between legitimate criticism and insults is crossed when comments are intended to demean or dehumanise an individual.
Dr Paul Herzuarh, the Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Media Studies at the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC), has emphasized the importance of criticizing ideas rather than attacking individuals in public discourse. In a Joy Prime dialogue titled ‘The Politics of Insults: Where Do We Draw the Line?’, Dr Herzuarh urged Ghanaians to refrain from demeaning or dehumanising public officials, ministers, and parliamentary candidates.
He explained that the key distinction between legitimate criticism and an insult is whether the statement is aimed at challenging the idea or attacking the individual behind it. Dr Herzuarh stressed that critiques should focus on the substance of the argument, opinion, or actions, rather than resorting to personal attacks. He noted that disagreements are a natural part of democratic societies, where citizens must be able to question decisions and hold leaders accountable.
Dr Herzuarh provided examples of how individuals could express disagreement by explaining why they disagreed with a particular viewpoint and what they found wrong with the reasoning. However, he warned that directing insults at someone by using degrading or demeaning language would cross the line, transforming criticism into an outright insult.
He emphasized that public discussions should remain focused on the issues at hand and not devolve into personal attacks on the individuals presenting their views. Dr Herzuarh urged Ghanaians to understand and respect this distinction, urging them to direct their arguments towards the issues being debated rather than attacking the personal characteristics of those expressing their opinions.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
