Back to Chapter Back to Chapter

Case 14b :

Speaking Out or Speaking Out of Turn?

As a PhD student specializing in the study of domestic violence among rural-to-urban Vietnamese migrant women, Petra Cheung was naturally a critic of regimes that restrict the rights of women. She was also active in local women's rights groups. Thus, she was not surprised when she received calls from reporters asking for her views on women's issues in Asia. This was the first time she had been contacted about women's issues in Africa, though.

Petra was eager to maintain her relationship with this reporter and said very simply,

"I do not study politics in Swaziland specifically, but I believe that the King is a very corrupt man that treats women badly and he should not be in office. I hope that they have a revolution there soon",

Petra went about her routine for the next few weeks and she almost forgot about her conversation with the reporter. She assumed the reporter had not used her words as she did not receive the customary "off-print" of the article on which the reporter was working. This morning, however, the Secretary for Professor Ching of the university relations office called and requested that Petra come to speak with the head of the office.

Petra walked into Professor Ching's small office and sat down. There were also two other men in the office, one she recognized as the lawyer for the university and another, dressed very smartly and looking quite mysterious, who stared hard at Petra then said,

"Why do you wish to incite a revolution against the King in my country? What do you know of politics in Swaziland? How can you speak about the relations between family members in my country? I read your articles, you only know about Vietnam".

Professor Ching began, slowly,

"Petra, this is Mr. Ma-sa-wa…";

The mystery man said,

"You may call me Dele"…

Professor Ching blushed then continued, holding up an article with the headline "Hong Kong Professor Encourages Revolution in African Nations"

"Petra this is Dele and he is from the Embassy of Swaziland. He wants to have some explanation about this article".

Petra felt her blood run cold. She did not recall 'encouraging' revolutions in African nations. 'How could a Professor in Hong Kong be responsible for revolution on another continent', Petra thought defensively as she worked quickly to craft an intelligent response. The mystery man was staring at her intently….

• What are the key issues here?
• Why might the University Relations Office be involved?
• What ought the role of Petra's supervisor be here?
• Should Petra speak to Professor Ching now?
   

Imagine you are Petra:

• How do you explain your conversation with the reporter?
• How do you respond to Dele's accusation?

 

Imagine you are Professor Ching of the university relations office,

• What responsibilities would you say that Petra has as a PhD student when speak to the press?
• What responsibilities does Petra's supervisor have here?