The Full Interview on Anonymity on Twitter in Bhutan

With the spate in personal attacks in Bhutan through the misuse of "Anonymity" on social media forums like Twitter, I gave two interviews; one to Kuensel and another to an anthropology student working on a dissertation on social media behaviour in Bhutan.

One was published, the other I never heard from. However, I am posting my answers to Kuensel here. You can see why they really couldn't (for lack of space and because my answers were too long) print everything ;)

1. In your view, what does this reflect about Bhutanese society and freedom of expression? Is freedom of expression not possible in Bhutan? 

Yes, it is very interesting that there are so many anonymous tweeters now. I think the need to go anonymous can really be misinterpreted by some to think that there is a serious lack of freedom to express in Bhutan, but that is a misconception. In a society like ours, where everybody knows everyone, I think it speaks more for, and reveals the level of comfort people have in expressing him/herself. Because of the nature of Bhutanese society it can be very uncomfortable for some to make criticisms or speak out against certain people without ruffling feathers/upsetting friends/ relatives. It is not that there isn't freedom of expression, but that freedom of open expression will always be something that will not be fully executed by those  who don't have the courage to do so without sacrificing being liked for who they are or what they say. Freedom of expression is possible and we are seeing it is. Just ten years ago, the things that are being said in Bhutan would be unimaginable and would have costs. Anyone who says there isn't freedom of expression today in Bhutan has probably misinterpreted the reasons for their own discomfort because of the nature of belonging to a small society, with that of a real restriction to that freedom. This is something that no matter what law/legislation is brought into effect - to protect the person/journalist- will it help ease that discomfort. Belonging to a small society where everyone knows everyone will be the shackles for some/those people who  feel inhibited and hence choose anonymity. You cannot blame that on a lack of freedom to express. But that being said, people should also understand that even with freedom of expression you do not have the liberty of spreading hatred; being a misogynist; defaming; making false accusations; racial,sexual and ethnic slurs against anybody. Even in a free world or in societies which gave birth to the concept/ notion of freedom of expression and the press, these things aren't tolerated. And the danger with anonymity or masking is that it can unleash that side to some people because of the safety it provides.

2. You are vocal in your views. You were very vocal if I remember correctly during the campaign to amend the tobacco control Act. Why do you not choose to mask your identity? Is it in anyway connected to the fact that you are not employed in the government, or living in Bhutan? 

I have no problem with anonymity or masking identities. I think it is necessary in societies where there is no freedom of speech or expression or in societies like ours which is small and hence provide its own hurdles. And it is understandable if people want anonymity because really people do get upset over anything you say. Then again, you cannot blame people for not getting upset by what you say because this is just the nature of how people are. There is a price to pay when one is vocal and speaks out without masking your identity. In some places you pay with imprisonment, in societies like ours you risk being liked or popular. If I was going to be imprisoned I would go undercover but if it is sacrificing being liked or popular; really? I only have a problem with anonymity when it is misused by people to say things of and to people that they would otherwise NEVER say if their identities were revealed. Anonymity is very empowering. It can allow you to do/say many things that you cannot otherwise, and I think people tend to get carried away especially when they know that they can't get caught.

I make as much noise as I can when there is social injustice. I made a lot of noise during the Tobacco Act because people were being imprisoned unfairly. I don't make much noise otherwise except commenting or letting people know how I feel about a situation. The latest twitter battles I had were because I felt that some were really abusing their anonymity. 

3. Have you ever faced any kind of discrimination/malpractice/questionable actions based on your opinions online, when in Bhutan?

Oh I feel it - the dislike, for being outspoken. I have not faced any outright discrimination but I know that some people really don't like me for my outspokenness or my views. On twitter I have been attacked and said things to simply because I spoke out and told people what I thought. I could go anonymous and save myself from dislike, but I think I can give myself more credit and say that I do have what it takes to be myself.