Blog 4: Speech Theories

     America is very different from most countries because it promotes the freedom of the people. The first amendment resonates with many American citizens. It 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." America was built on the foundation of freedom and new beginnings, so it is no surprise
that the people wanted to guarantee their basic liberties by writing them in the constitution. The eight values of free expression are marketplace of ideas, participation in self government, stable change, individual self-fulfillment, check
on government power, promote tolerance, promote innovation, and protect dissent. 

   The values of free expression or speech theories that I find to be most important are individual self-fulfillment and promoting tolerance. Individual self-fulfillment is one of the first concepts I think of when I think of what it is to be an American. In America, everyone is allowed to be who they want to be and promote it. Whether you are trans, gay, non-binary, black, white, Jewish, Christian, etc. you will be accepted in America in today's society. In many other countries, people are punished for their identity and beliefs but Americans are allowed to express themselves freely. For example, if someone wants to speak about how they hate the government, they are allowed to do that in America. However, if someone in North Korea spoke out against their government it could lead to their arrest and force them to join a "re-education" camp. It is unfair that they can't express their views without being punished and "re-educated." I talk freely about my faith and my likes and dislikes about a variety of topics on a day-to-day basis so having the speech theory of individual self-fulfillment is very important to me. 

    Promoting tolerance is also an important speech theory. In today's society, promoting tolerance is very prevalent. The government protecting hate speech allows others to correct people that say hate speech. In social media, if you say something that is against a group of people because of their identities or beliefs then you will be "canceled." Being canceled basically means that everyone on social media hates you and unfollows you if you say or promote hate speech. Your reputation can go from 100 to 0 really quickly if you say something wrong that society disagrees with. For example, if someone finds a video of an online influencer saying the N-word then they will suffer the consequences of their career being ruined. The government does not need to ban hate speech for people to be punished for the consequences because society does it for them. I'm glad that people can't get away with saying hate speech because people need to learn that there are consequences for their actions. I also appreciate when someone corrects me if I say something that is wrong because then I can learn from my mistakes. 

I could not imagine living in a country that didn't promote freedom of expression.