The first amendment is very important to Americans all around the country for many reasons. It protects peoples rights and freedoms which is essential for a "functional democracy and individual liberties". (Freedom Forum) In class, we have discussed the creation of the first amendment and changes to the first amendment over the years. Then, we explored how these ideas began to take form in theories specifically the eight values of key expression.
The first value being the marketplace of ideas where John Milton believed that when people are allowed to express their truth and lies, the truth will always come out. This idea supports the right to share information without the approval of the government. The second value is participation in self-government which allows citizens to make a decision about an election by hearing different points-of-view. It lets the public know all the information, in order to make an informed decision. Benedict Spinoza discovered the third value of stable change allowing people to express their anger and criticism without penalty. By letting people vent, it gives the government the ability to monitor and address problems.
The fourth value is individual fulfillment or creative and artistic expression. This helps people to share their own identity, without living in fear of discrimination. Vince Blasi's value is checking on governmental powers which plays a role in finding corruption in the government. It allows the people to respond and keep the government in check. The sixth and seventh values are promoting tolerance and innovation. We can create a more tolerant community by learning what is harmful and rejecting it. On the other hand, by having free speech, we can have more creativity and ideas which allows people to explore different ways of thinking and living. The last value is to protect dissent which protects your right to disagree, even if you are not in the minority. Dissent helps hold those in power accountable and allows everyone to have an opinion.
Individual Self-Fulfillment resonates the most with me because it allows me to express my identity without shame or fear. It's very empowering to know that I and people around me can be themselves and share who they are. I also believe that participation in self-government and promoting innovation are the most important values. In order to make an informed decision, its crucial to hear all sides of the story, even its a small debate with friends. Promoting innovation is important too because it fosters a dynamic culture where new ideas can thrive and make our society better.
The value that is most personal to me is protect dissent. There are many times where I don't always agree with the majority and knowing that my voice can still be heard is really important to me. The values I see in action today are checks on governmental power and stable change. We see these values practiced when citizens speak out against the government and express frustrations that help maintain stability.
To relate this to todays world, social media is something that that our generation relies on heavily, and this is why we need many of these values of free expression. Specifically, Individual self-fulfillment as it allows people on social media to express themselves, share their identities, and connect with others without being silenced. Whether it's posting an opinion, sharing a personal experience, or even showing creativity, social media gives individuals the freedom to be who they are and find like-minded people.
Additionally, protecting dissent is crucial in the social media world. Social media provides a platform for people to disagree with mainstream views or challenge authority. The ability to speak out against what you believes is unjust is a key part of a democracy and a necessary part of free speech, especially in today’s digital age.Without these values, social media could easily become a place of censorship, rather than a space for free expression and growth.
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