Free expression was a right granted to us in the Constitution by our Founding Fathers. I believe it is important for every American to exercise their right of free expression. Free expression supports personal autonomy and identity by allowing individuals to live according to their beliefs and values. In a democracy, it enables open debate, ensures an informed public, holds leaders accountable, promotes transparency, and empowers social change. The 8 values of Free expression are: Marketplace of ideas, participation in self government, stable change, self-fulfillment, check on governmental power, promote tolerance, promote innovation, and protect dissent. Self-fulfillment and check on governmental power are the 2 values that resonate with me the most. I believe these values are the most important to Americans when exercising their right to free expression.
Self-Fulfillment
Free speech allows Americans to peacefully express their feelings and opinions about any topic. In doing so, people develop their own identity and autonomy. When citizens express their opinions, they are providing the opportunity to educate those around them. We learn on a daily basis from those around us and this would not be possible without having the right to free speech. Speech has also been seen as the beginning of thought. Rodney Smolla states, "The fulfillment that comes from speech is bonded to man’s capacity to think, imagine, and create." Freedom starts with the right to think, and when speak we are expressing the right to have our own thoughts. Therefore, speech is protected by the government because speech is the beginning of thought. Through one's expression of their personal identity, it is expected that individual will see vast improvement in their ability to function cognitively as well as growth within their behavioral comprehension.
Check on Governmental Power
The Founding Fathers established the constitution with the checks and balances system built into the law. Each branch of government has the power to check the other branches to ensure they are upholding the law of the Constitution. Free speech also serves as an avenue to critique the government. It is our responsibility to ensure the government is representing and implementing what the American people want. Because the government gets it's power form the American people, we should exercise our right to critique the government of their choices that effect us. Freedom of the press has played an immense role in providing the American people with information on government officials. The Watergate Scandal proved to Americans that the government could not be trusted. Without the ability of free speech, the information about President Nixon's abuse of power would have never spread to Americans. Unfortunately, not every government official has the interest of the American people at the forefront of their agenda. It is our responsibility to hold those in position of power accountable for their actions against the American people.
Overall, freedom of expression is an important right the American people have. Expressing our personal opinions and values allows us to mature and personally develop while educating those around us. Freedom of speech allows for information to be spread about the government, which is crucial to critiquing government decisions. We all should express our right that was granted by the Founding Fathers to ensure the government didn't obtain excessive power over Americans. I have enjoyed learning about the different values of free expression and learning the importance of free speech. Free speech is the foundation of our rights and I believe it is important to be educated on how we can best exercise that right.
No comments:
Post a Comment