The Eight Values of Free Expression

 

The United States is based on the ideals of freedom. Freedom of expression is something we, as citizens of the United States, hold near and dear to our hearts. The eight values of free expression are Marketplace of Ideas (Discovery of Truth), Participation in Self-Government, Stable Change (Safety Valve), Individual Fulfillment (Self-Actualization), Watchdog Role, Promote Tolerance, Promote Innovation, and Protect Dissent. All of these theories are a crucial way to analyze how society values the freedom of speech. 

The United States is filled with diversity in its culture. Every corner you turn there are people with all different backgrounds, varying ideals, and different outlooks on life. That idea of diversity within our culture is why I believe the most important speech theory to focus on is to “Promote Innovation”, the seventh speech theory. This is the speech theory that resonated the most with me after reviewing the eight values of free expression. As stated in our Media Blog, “A community in which free speech is valued and protected is likely to be a more energized, creative, interesting society as its citizens actively fulfill themselves in many diverse and interesting ways.” This is exactly the idea I have when I think of freedom of expression. 

This speech theory is a basis for our lives and our society. Valuing different opinions and backgrounds to further enhance society as a whole is the foundation of what America stands on. We learn and grow together, as one. To promote innovation is to promote growth. By inspiring people to use their voice to further grow society is how we, as people, can continue to improve our world and our lives. With this idea of speaking our opinions and showing our own cultures to learn and grow as one, there is more that comes into play. Speech theory number eight is to “Protect Dissent”. As stated by the Media Blog, “Our system is not supposed to be one of mob rule. The First Amendment protects minority views, no matter how unpopular. You have a strongly protected right to disagree with the government — and everyone else. In fact, it is your patriotic duty to criticize the government.” Without the permission to criticize the government, we would live in fear of the government. That is not the foundation of the United States. These two speech theories go hand-in-hand with one another. We can not promote innovation by the individual if we can not criticize the government. Innovation is change, and criticism is what ultimately leads to change.

Although of the eight speech theories, some stand out more than others but they they all work together to give reason to how we live our lives. The First Amendment protects all citizens, no matter a person's race, ethnicity, gender, etc. but it also protects people who have differing opinions with others to speak back toward them. This is how our society can grow and flourish. Individuals need these rights to speak their minds and show who they are, to find a place within our world.

Would you want to live in a world where your voice was never heard?