I wouldn’t normally get involved in politics on this blog, as I’d like to keep this space free for silly illustrations and other fun/stupid things. Also, there are many other platforms for politics. This rule applies to this post too, however what happened in Paris on Wednesday was not purely a political matter. Firstly, I’d like to offer my condolences to the families of the victims of the attack on Charlie Hebdo, and all those affected by this senseless attack.

However, the main purpose of this post is to offer my thoughts on Freedom of Expression. I feel that Creativity and humour is tremendously important to our survival, and if we ever lose these things, we have lost everything. Stories and ideas have the power to turn dreams into reality. They fill the world with hope and wonderment. If we wish to continue growing as a species, we need creativity. Though all of these things work in different ways depending on the infinite array of subcategories, satire is particularly necessary for the exploration of ideas. Ideas that are exempt from criticism are usually the most dangerous form of idea. These are the ideas that can be twisted around to “justify” terrible acts of hatred and violence. Of course, Satire can be crude or vulgar, but there is always an element of honesty, and it is that element of honesty that we desperately need right now.

With honesty, kindness and tolerance we can overcome the forces of hatred which seeks to divide and destroy us. Above all, we need humour. I’m certain that one day we’ll live in a world where the sound of crying is finally silenced by the sound of laughter.

Humanity has the potential to do great and amazing things. It is time to unlock that potential. My wish for everyone this year is for peace, and I wish for that with all my heart.