Blog #3: Eight Values of Free Expression

    As American citizens we are aware that we have the right to speak up issues that we feel passionate about no matter our point of view. Through the first amendment we have the freedom of religion, freedom from religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly and the right to petition the government. This amendment ensures that the government is not in complete control of our country and emphasizes that we the people, are the ones with power. I could not imagine a world where we are unable to voice our concerns with the government or our personal opinions that the government may disagree with.

    The eight values of free expression emphasize its importance to American democracy and our society. The marketplace of ideas suggests that though people may produce false information, that is okay because in the end the truth will outweigh the falsehood and the dispute will ultimately strengthen the truth. Participation in self government allows citizens to disclose information that may not be known by the public, to help ensure voters are informed on information they may need to know when voting. Stable change gives people a peaceful way to express difference in opinion, reducing the risk of violent uproar. Independent Self-Fulfillment allows citizens to use free speech to express themselves and build a sense of personal growth and self identity. Check on Government Power ensures the public is allowed to criticize the government and hold them accountable. Promote Tolerance encourages multiple viewpoints to be known, promoting open minded decisions. Promote Innovation contributes to intellectual and cultural growth. Through protected free speech people are more likely to be more innovative, active and intriguing. Protect Dissent allows those whose viewpoint are the minority to speak up and be able to have their voices heard, without discrimination.

    In my opinion, the most important value is Check on government power, because it ensures that the government doesn't abuse their power and allows citizens to make sure their representatives are voicing them in a correct manner. As elected government employees, they are put into office in voice their district, county, state or countries viewpoints.

  However, the value that is most personal to me is Stable change. As an African American Woman, discrimination against African American is something that I take very serious. Stable Change has allowed my community to voice their disapproval or discomfort with racial discrimination that happens in our country. In 2020, with the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the black community went into an uproar. Granted in some cases there was violent acts but for the most part  there were peaceful protests all over the country.

    One value that I see being used today is Participation in Self-Government. During the current election you see a lot of people disclosing information about both candidates to better help voters understand the candidates. Whether it be positive or negative. I think that Participation in Self-Government is a very important aspect during election season because candidates tend to leave information out if it would effect their possibilities of winning.

    These eight values are fundamental to our lives as citizens of a democracy. Through them, we as individuals are allowed to use our voices for whatever we want, emphasizing our first amendment rights, and establishing that we as people are not subject to follow any guidelines in terms of voicing our opinions.