The eight values of free expression are eight theories that derive from the first amendment. They all relate to the freedoms that we have and how they affect us. The theories also give ideas to how the freedoms given to us are interpreted and used. The fifth theory, “Check on Governmental Power,” resonates with me the most because I feel like it is such a useful idea. This theory conceptualizes the idea that individual people and the press are a part of the checks and balances involved in the government. Because there is a freedom to the press, they are able to release information about abuse of power by politicians. From learning these bits of information, we are able to act on it and elect a different official to take their place. I like knowing that we have a say in this matter and can speak out against these abuses of power without being fearful of persecution. This also seems like one of the most important theories mentioned, but there are many other theories.
I would argue that the seventh theory, “Promote Innovation,” is also one of the most important theories. The seventh theory basically states that freedom of speech is a very valuable thing. It also grants citizens more energy and creativity, which overall is better for the individuals in the long run. This theory runs along with the sixth one and is very similar. The sixth theory, “Promote Tolerance,” presents that all speech should be protected, even if it is hateful. Hateful speech creates a society that is more tolerant and those that are more tolerant make the community better. It is similar to a concept of how some people say bullying is okay. That is not true, but a little teasing should be okay. It builds a person up to be stronger against others who might be harsher.
One theory that surprised me was the third theory, “Stable Change.” It completely slipped my mind that the government could be keeping a closer eye on those who vent about the government. This theory explains that giving people free speech is smarter and more efficient in the long run. By letting people state their grievances against the government, they are less likely to act out in violence from them and in doing so, the government can see who is more of a threat. This is a very simple idea and yet I was still a little blown away by reading it. It makes so much sense to hear who has a problem while also allowing people who are not threats to state their problems. There might be a lesson learned along the way for them as well.
The first theory from this batch seems to be a more personal one because it can be used in life. “Marketplace of Ideas” says that in the battle between truth and falsehood, the truth will always win. I personally really like this one because it feels sort of motivating. Truth will always come out and any one who tries to hide it will fail. Especially with all the sources of news and media nowadays, there is never really a place to hide. Which can sometimes be scary, but in this case, it is good.
There are two different theories that I think are being widely used today. One of these is the second theory, “Participation in Self-Government.” This theory is about politicians not being limited on what they are saying so that we can gain a full grasp of what they stand for. We as individuals have a right to know who exactly is running and who we are electing. The second theory that I believe is widely used today would be the fourth one, “Individual Self-Fulfillment.” Many people are identified by their actions and words. This theory states that people take their freedom of speech as their identity; what they say and do not say. I think this comes into play a lot especially today because identity is a very popular topic. People also get identified by things they say and have said in the past. I do not usually agree with digging into the past to find dirt on people, but it can become their identity.
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