冷戦終結により1989年、ベルリンの壁が崩れ、民主主義が勝利した瞬間には、歴史の終わりを宣言したフランシス・フクヤマの言葉が響いた。しかし、時を経て2024年、今なお分断と闘争が続く中で、民主主義の輝きは色あせ、世界中に見えざる壁が立ちはだかっている。
ネタニヤフ首相がガザの壁を「自己防衛」と主張する中、市民の犠牲が増えるなか、その正当性に疑問が湧く。国連安全保障理事会でもアメリカの反対により決議が可決されなかったことは、国際的な民主主義の危機を示唆している。
サルトルの言葉が今なお重みを持つ中、「戦争・格差・右派の台頭」に直面する世界では、希望を語る必要がある。しかし、政治とメディアの崩壊は深刻であり、失われた30年の経験が再び繰り返されることを危ぶむ。
2024年を迎え、再び失われた30年とならぬように願いたい。メディアが持つ力強いメッセージが、武力よりもはるかに影響力を持つことを理解してほしい。人々の対話、共同、調和、交流を奨励し、言葉が人を動かす力を活かすことで、世界中の見えざる壁を打破し、民主主義の輝きを再び取り戻すことができるのではないだろうか。
The collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989, symbolizing the victory of democracy, was once seen as the end of history, as famously expressed by Francis Fukuyama. However, in the present day, the world is marred by conflicts like the Gaza Wall and the war between Russia and Ukraine, claiming numerous lives. While Prime Minister Netanyahu claims self-defense in Gaza, questions arise as to whether it justifies the deaths of over 20,000 civilians.
Even in the United Nations Security Council, resolutions failed to pass due to U.S. opposition, highlighting a global crisis in democracy. The vibrancy of democracy appears to be fading as invisible walls of authoritarianism divide the world. Echoing Sartre's words, addressing issues such as war, inequality, and the rise of the right becomes imperative for fostering hope.
Both politics and media are on the brink of collapse. Having experienced the lost decades, there is a fervent hope as we enter 2024 that history does not repeat itself. It is crucial for the media to recognize its power in conveying messages more potent than force - encouraging dialogue, collaboration, harmony, and exchange among people. This is because the true mover of people is the power of words.
As we face the challenges of war, inequality, and the resurgence of the right, it is essential to speak of hope. Despite the looming crisis in politics and media, the year 2024 should not mark another lost 30 years. May the media understand its capability to carry a message more powerful than force, encouraging dialogue, collaboration, harmony, and exchange among people. After all, it is the power of words that truly moves people.