Eight Values of Free Expression

Friday, January, 24, 2025

Eight Values of Free Expression

If someone says the Constitution, the first thing that usually comes to people’s mind is our freedoms. Our most famous rights are listed in the First Amendment. These freedoms are what separate us from other countries. The freedom of speech, press, religion, for religion, assembly, and petition has shaped this country into what it is today. It gives free rein to people to fully express and defend themselves. Regarding freedom, people have the freedom to interpret these rights however they want and even make theories out of them. 

The theory that resonates the most with me is theory number 4. Theory number 4 is the individual self-fulfillment theory. This theory claims that free speech allows free expression and people’s identities are created through this act. Individual self-fulfillment also helps people find kindred spirits and is the basis of human dignity.

I have exercised the freedom of speech in many ways in my lifetime. In the past year, I have felt that I am finally mature and old enough to understand political topics that I am interested in. I have debated with friends on abortion marches and posted on social media about our government's lack of care for families affected by hurricanes. While these issues don’t define my life I do feel that having a vocal opinion on them is shaping me into who I am as a person. As I become an adult it is important to me to speak up for myself especially when nobody else agrees. Freedom of speech creates a confident and well-spoken individual which is needed now more than ever in this society. Freedom of Speech prepares us for the world ahead full of opinions and communication.

All the debates I’ve had haven’t always ended badly. I have created friends along the way and agreed with people I never thought I would agree with. I do believe that Americans are entitled to this right while some may seem that as radical. And while we are all shouting out opposing opinions left and right we should also give the same respect we would give to someone we agree with. 

I think the theory that seems most important is theory number 3. The stable change theory states suggest that a society where people are aloud to speak and vent their angry thoughts aloud is more stable. If people are aloud to outwardly share their angry thoughts there will be less violence. With less violence the government can focus their energy on serious and violent crime.

I found this theory to be a humorous at first. To me it sounds too good to be true and unrealistic. But at the same time this theory caught my interest because if everyone in society thought like this, there may be less violent crime and simply more verbal conversations. This would solve a huge safety issue in our country if the majority knew that the government would not criticize the public for every little thing they said. 

With our newly elected Republican president Donald Trump, the government will have limited power. Theory number 5 is the theory I see in action today. The check on governmental power theory is a part of the checks and balances system and ensures the that government is not abusing its power.

One way Trump is trying to limit the government’s power is by banning the Department of Education. Republicans believe that the government should not push political ideology on children such as gender and race topics. They think this authority should be left up to the states as the states handle most of the educational issues. 

When it comes to social media and First Amendment rights, TikTok has taken the spotlight on this matter. TikTok v. Garland is a Supreme Court case that has consumed the news. The attorney general under the Biden administration, Merrick Garland tried to ban TikTok claiming that Chinese Chinese-owned company was a threat to The United States national security. 

TikTok follows along with theory number three and number seven. In my opinion, the TikTok band is detrimental to Americans for three main reasons. The individual self-fulfillment theory states that free speech allows an individual to find identity in expressing themselves. If a person is looking to be famous, the time is now in the place is TikTok. People who never thought that they had a voice growing up and individuals who feel like an outcast have become popular and found a community that fits their liking.

Another reason is that TikTok is also all about finding kindred spirits. People are meeting their best friends on TikTok. They buy plane tickets to fly all across the country to meet them. TikTok is the only app that I’ve seen where you can find your spouse on the app or find out that your spouse is cheating. The tight-knit community moves in a unique way that the social media world has never seen before.

The promote innovation theory claims that a community that cherishes free speech is more creative, riveting, and uplifting. The last reason why I think people are up in arms about the TikTok ban is because it is their job. People who rely on TikTok for money call themselves creators or influencers. They call themselves this because most of the time they are making up original content to influence or entertain people. When you take away the creator, you take away the innovation. Without innovation, we can’t learn new things, improve old things, and are left with narrow-minded thinkers. 

A theory can help explain something going on in the real world because theories follow patterns. And if someone can follow a pattern they can conclude. These conclusions are what help us better understand issues around us. While not always 100% accurate theories help explain why certain things have certain outcomes.