As an American citizen, one of the first things you learn about in history class is the different United States Amendments. Specifically, the first amendment. The first amendment gives U.S citizens the freedom of free speech, but what exactly falls under this category of "Free Speech"? Listed below I will discuss and evaluate four of the values/ideas that are protected by the first amendment.
1. Marketplace of Ideas
 |
| John Milton |
The main idea behind this first value was originally said by John Milton- a former secretary for the commonwealth of England; when truth and falsehood are allowed to freely argue, truth will win out. The freedom of being able to have opposing views or false information and be able to voice them without the government punishing you is not only a freedom, but beneficial for a country as well. When an establishment only has one stream of information and opinions, it can weaken the creativity of the individuals within this said establishment, and in turn weaken the whole as they are not able to grow and shift with new and opposing ideas. The stream of information being given could also be just generally incorrect and without the freedom of letting truth and falsehood grapple out, no one is to know the truth that their establishment is based on.
2. Check on Government Power
 |
| The Watergate Scandal |
The second value of free speech I wanted to discuss is the ability for American citizens and the press to be enabled to know when there is an "abuse of power" within the government and then the choice to change the leadership at the ballot box. I think this is freedom is beneficial to promote a transparent and healthy government system. This freedom is also unique to many other nations, which I find fortunate to live in a society where citizens have the ability to hold the government accountable. Moreover, countries where their citizens have the freedom of press- to report news and circulate ideas without censorship from the government- creates a government who is less likely to take advantage of their citizens. The ability for voters to check the government decreases the chance of economic exploitation, unsupported violence initiated by a country's leader, and even the possibility of anarchy or dictatorship as citizens are enabled to learn about abuses of power.
3. Promote Innovation
 |
| Flag Map of North Korea |
Another value is the idea that when communities, countries, and establishments give their individuals the freedom of speech, it promotes creativity, and therefore innovation. For example, the communist country of North Korea has severe restrictions on their citizens when it comes to freedom of speech and religion and are known to be significantly behind in their technological innovations. The ability to share ideas and collaborate with others helps create new ideas and in turn new inventions. The promotion of free speech and ideas also equates more prosperous societies as the citizens feel like their voices are valued. Such societies are more diverse and interesting and provide a more complex place to grow and live.
4. Individual Self-Fulfillment
 |
| C. Edwin Baker |
Lastly, the fourth free expression value is the right to express themselves and create their own identity. I think this value is really special and citizens are able to be their true selves and in turn helps form a more positive society. As stated by C. Edwin Baker- a Professor of Law and Communications at the University of Pennsylvania, "Speech or other self-expressive conduct is protected not as a means to achieve a collective good but because of its value to the individual." The freedom to create and express your own identity also allows for individuals to find those that they genuinely connect with.
No comments:
Post a Comment