Blog #3- Key Post: The Eight Values of Free Expression

The Eight Values of Free Expression stem from the First Amendment. 

They include:

1. Marketplace of Ideas/Discovery of Truth: John Milton fought against needing to have a licene to print and publish by arguing that truth beats falsehood when they come together.
2. Participation in Self-Government: Supports free speech for candidates and their policies, leading to citizens being well informed about what to vote for.
3. Stable Change/Safety Valve: The idea that free speech of venting will help prevent violence.
4. Individual Self-Fulfillment/Self-Actualiztion: Freedom of speech allowing citizens to be individuals and express themselves.
5. Check on Governmental Power/Watchdog Role: Freedom of the press keeps citizens informed of any abuses of power to maintain checks and balances.
6. Promote Tolerance: Freedom of speech grows the tolerance of the citizens to become tolerant to upsetting speech.
7. Promote Innovation: Citizens use free speech creatively to make up a diverse and interesting community.
8. Protect Dissent: The ability to criticize and disagree with the government.

I believe that all of these values are crucial, but a few stood out and resonated with me the most. This includes Stable Change, Individual Self-Fulfillment, and Promote Innovation.

Stable Change

Firstly, Stable Change was a concept that caught my attention because I didn't quite understand it at first. I wasn't connecting how free speech would lead to less violence. Once I worked through it, I strongly agreed with the value. Without the freedom to vent and express ones anger through words, the next best way is through actions. To prevent violence and riots, it is important that people are allowed to express and share their feelings. This way, their words will be heard and violence wouldn't be necessary.

Individual Self-Fulfillment

Secondly, Individual Self-Fulfillment stood out to me because I think it is very important for people to be able to express their thoughts and not be afraid of being punished for their opinions. Everyone should be able to feel comfortable to be themselves and create their own identities. People are constantly evolving in and out of different traits, habits, beliefs, values, and personalities. Free speech needs to exist and protect citizens while they discover who they are and who they aren't.

Self Actualization is also a part of this value. Cognitive psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman defined it as "finding things that fit your deepest strengths, your deepest values, and your sense of why you're here on this planet." He also noted that he doesn't believe self actualization is a linear process, instead in waves. Free speech allows citizens to discover these parts of themselves without fear of punishment.

Promote Innovation

The value of promoting innovation stands out to me because I enjoy being innovative and creative, therefore, I resonate with it deeply. When I was reading about this value, it reminded me of slam poetry and the way people use it to bring awareness to issues in society. I think slam poetry of that kind combines the values of promoting innovation and protecting dissent. Slam poetry can be a creative and interesting way of criticizing the government.

I am not a poetry writer, but I do enjoy painting and drawing. It is important that free speech protects the messages I wish to portray through artwork, as well as other unique ways that citizens would like to communicate. The image above is a painting by Banksy, called "Love is in the Air". The artist created this work with a message to spread hope and peace instead of violence. I believe that artwork and its message should be protected under free speech.

I believe freedom of speech is essential because if citizens aren't allowed to communicate about injustices, they may never be resolved. Overall, each of the eight values of free expression are equally as important in my opinion, but these three resonated personally with me the most.