Eight Values of Free Expression

All eight of the values of free expression are interesting and important in their own way. Each of them is different in the sense that they all represent individual pieces of the importance of freedom of expression to Americans. With that being said, there was one that stood out to me the most at first glance.  

 

The value that truly caught my eye was Individual Self Fulfillment (Self- Actualization). This value is based on the idea that freedom of speech is a fundamental aspect of all individuals to create their own identity and is essential to the dignity, agency, and autonomy of humans. In my opinion, individuality and freedom of expression are the foremost ideas behind the basic aspects of the freedom that makes the United States so infamous. They are also crucial to the ideology of the “American Dream”. I am not so naïve to believe that this idea of “self-fulfillment” was always an omnipresent value in US history, but I feel it is an underlying part of the words of the First Amendment.

 

The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” All six of the clauses of the first amendment are relevant to the idea of Self-Actualization. Freedom of religion, speech, the press, peaceful assembly, and petitioning the government, can all be seen as forms of individual personal expression. After all, people “find kindred spirits” through these six clauses. Human agency, dignity, and autonomy are also gained through the freedoms of the first amendment, especially the freedom of speech. By allowing individuals to be individuals and in charge of their own identity, society is more unique and heterogeneous. 

One way in which citizens recognize their individual self-fulfillment is through the use of social media. On apps like Facebook (Meta) or Twitter, users can share opinions, views, and ideas on certain topics or just mundane daily occurrences. Through this sharing of perspectives, people tend to form communities on these platforms. On Facebook, for example, people can join groups (either private or public) that meet their interests. People can also use this tool to form bonds and build communities virtually with people wherever they reside, whether it’s in another state or another country. These groups range in subjects from political, religious, or even just social. I noticed an increase in people using the group feature over the past two years during the height of the pandemic. Because COVID-19 forced the world to adapt, socially and mentally people needed an outlet to connect, making this the perfect feature for Facebook. On Twitter, users can tweet their opinions and views to either select followers or the public. Users also have the option to tweet on trending topics. Some people prefer to utilize Twitter for a specific purpose while others use it socially. 

 

Censorship has become a growing idea in the space of media. Over the past few years, there has been a debate over whether or not censorship should be in full effect on Twitter with some in favor and others opposed to the idea. On this topic, I am generally opposed to censorship in the media as freedom of speech and expression are the principal objectives of the first amendment. This can also tie into another value of free expression, Promote Tolerance. The idea of this value is backed by the fact that the First Amendment protects hate speech as its how we as a society develop social norms. Society has been pushed into a more digital age where power is at our very fingertips. If media censorship were to advance and go into full effect, would society truly benefit from it? Or would we face a one-sided presentation of the world we live in? I personally believe there is a tremendous value in seeing the whole picture rather than what we would like to see. Hate speech is hurtful and awful to see or hear but does invite a larger conversation to what is right and wrong. Overall, each of these theories is relevant to the ongoing conversations and debates present in the world currently.