Western Parameters of Freedom of Expression: A Critique from Islamic Perspective

This study explores Western parameters and principles of freedom of expression from an Islamic perspective. Western thought advocates infinite freedom of speech but it also has some regulations, limits and restraints. Every Western human rights instrument and convention guarantee freedom of expression, but in fact, the excess of freedom is bringing the society to a harsh kind of clash and conflict. In simple words, freedom without sufficient legal and moral restrictions cannot be managed. It is also observed that without strict legal and moral boundaries, it cannot become fruitful for the state and society. Even the Western world, which is representative of maximum freedom of speech, also bounds freedom of expression with some parameters and restrictions. However, it is propagated that the Western laws provide outclass freedom of expression and speech. The actual situation is not as good as it is expressed, because on one hand, the international instruments provide freedom of speech and on the other, they limit it through certain laws. It means freedom of expression is not free of boundaries in the West also. In other words, it is only a mythology and controlled propaganda that the Western thought and civilization provides absolute and unlimited freedom of expression and press in their countries. Instead, Islamic teachings categorically agree to provide the right to freedom of expression but on the other hand, it binds them with some social, moral and legal boundaries to save the society from any kind of clash and conflict. It is perceived Western legal instruments limit freedom of expression with some legal boundaries and laws rather than ethics and morals. It is recommended on behalf of this study that the Western world also puts moral and religious boundaries on freedom of expression for its safety. An analytical & critical approach with qualitative research methodology is adopted in the study.

Brand Experience: the Dimensional Necessitation of Self-Congruence Facets and Spillover to Consumers Affective Responses

The central purpose of the study is to investigate the role of brand experience with respect to actual self-congruence, ideal self-congruence, brand experience, emotional brand attachment and orientation toward happiness. In order to achieve the objective, the chapter comprehensively discussed the study variables and their association in the hypothesized direction. The study is based on self-congruity theory and argued that consumers associate their sense of self with brands, and brand imbued with consistent brand personality to self evokes strong brand experience, emotional brand attachment and orientation toward happiness. The self-congruence can be in the form of actual self-congruity and ideal self-congruence. The actual self-congruence and ideal self-congruence relationships are based on self-verification theory and self-enhancement theory. The relationship of actual self-congruence and ideal self-congruence with orientation toward happiness and brand experience is based on positive psychology contention that people seek happiness from their daily life activities. The chapter further discussed and grounded the hypothesis based on theoretical groundings and prior literature.