The Importance Of Freedom Of Speech

As citizens of the United States, we have the right to freedom of speech, which is one of the most valuable rights a person has in the United States. This right allows people to speak their minds against unjust policies, and live in the country with an open mind without the fear of the government or being prosecuted. These rights have been exercised throughout history, and have made a positive impact in our country. However not every country is allowed to have free speech, which makes this a luxury for our citizens. Recently the questioning of whether there should be limits to the freedom of speech has risen, and many want restrictions against biased and racist remarks. I believe we should have the freedom of speech because it allows us to express our opinions on certain topics that we may not agree on.

There is a famous written saying that adheres to the attitude of every important figure throughout world history, “I disapprove of what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” This statement allows all individuals to say and be who they wish to be in our society today (Hall, 1906, p. 199).

Free speech is a fundamental right to not only being American but being a human. Exchanging and defending principles, beliefs, and ideas have been existent since the beginning of mankind. We would not have made it this far if people did not have the freedom to speak what they wanted or needed to say. Philosophers and scientists, poets and writers, people such as Rousseau, Milton, Locke, Newton, Descartes, and numerous more might never have accomplished what they had or been recognized if not for the freedom of speech. Some of the most important examples of free speech that set in motion the foundation of America were the petitions from the colonists and finally the Declaration of Independence.

Free speech in my mind, should be universally protected, except when that speech turns into hate against any particular minority and incites violence that is not needed for the safety of the public at large. Freedom of speech serves to be a fundamental democratic right that affords every citizen to participate in the United States constitutional democracy. It is a vital tool because it can be used by every person, rich, poor, black or white, to voice their concerns and rejections of the federal or state government in hopes to bring about change. Change comes in many forms, from allowing women to vote, to providing African Americans the equal status to their white counterparts. In addition, the 1st amendment allows for the free exchange of

America's first amendment which consists of the rights that Americans have and one of those rights being Freedom of speech. Today, many Americans are taking advantage of that right and the poster children taking advantage are the NFL players. They are kneeling during the national anthem and are claiming it's because of racial issues. Americans are saying otherwise and consider the act to be disrespectful to those who fought for the rights of Americans Citizens. People on the defensive side of the spectrum are saying that it's an act of freedom of speech. Americans should stand during the national anthem because it's disrespectful not and it's a slap in the face to those who fought for their fellow Americans freedoms.

Freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment that comprises what we refer to as freedom of expression. Freedom of speech is the foundation of an American democracy and without freedom of speech Americans would not have the right to vote. Freedom of speech means that an individual can debate or have an opinion with issues going on in America. Although freedom of speech in America gives Americans the right to have their voices heard and to have an opinion in American politics, it is still very limited. There is an abundant amount of Americans that are not able to exercise their first amendment right because of protesters who rally at speeches to stop an individual from exercising their right. There are constant issues over who has the right to do what, and who has the right to say what is right. The American government clearly believes that some people should have rights, but others, such as immigrants or students on campuses do not deserve to. Two articles that were featured in USATODAY, one article that was written by Shanta Driver, “Freedom of Speech Is a Diversion: Opposing View”, is addressing the right of illegal immigrants in America. The second article, “Campus Mobs Muzzle Free Speech: Our View”, written by The Editorial Board, argues the respect of freedom of speech on college campuses. Both articles appeal to the audience’s logic or logos appeal by stating their opinions on why freedom of speech is America’s greatest threat.

In large, freedom of speech is protected in the first amendment, and in several court cases it has been upheld that hate speech is also protected. So, a person can essentially say whatever they wish, if someone gets offended that is their problem, some argue this is one of the reasons why America is so great. Although, there are some exceptions to this amendment when public schools are involved. In this case it was a public university the students were attending, and the posters were on campus grounds, so these exceptions to the Amendment apply.

In America, it is our right to free speech. As individuals, we value this right because it allows us to say our opinions, even if a majority of people disagree or are offended. However, I believe it should be different for big, influential groups of people. Those who represent organizations and institutions should have their free speech limited because if their opinions do not represent what that institute is for, it can cause feelings of distraught and anger among the people.

When you hear someone referring to Freedom of Speech, what comes to your mind? How far should Freedom of Speech go for you or others? And when you see someone practicing Freedom of Speech, do you actually support it? In today’s society, some of us forget what Freedom of Speech actually is and how far it is actually extended.

Out of all the rights given to we Americans in the Bill of Rights, the first amendment includes the most cherished one: the freedom of speech. Freedom of speech gives citizens the right to express their own opinions publicly without government interference, violating laws, or inciting any kind of violence or rebellion. However, the first amendment does not mean anyone can simply say whatever they want. There are several topics that are strictly scrutinized by law and there are even some situations in which freedom of speech is lawfully restricted. Freedom of speech is an extremely important part of the constitution that we value highly, but there are obvious things that are allowed and not allowed that go with it.

Within today’s society, the freedom of speech has become an extremely controversial topic. There are various opinions on freedom of speech, however, philosopher John Stuart Mill argued that “[i]f all mankind minus one were of one opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person that he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind” (1859, p. 14). Mill sides with freedom of speech being vital for all of humanity. Having the ability to speak one’s thoughts and opinions is crucial not only for the individual, but for society as a whole. The right to speak one’s mind openly and freely about certain topics without the fear of high authoritative figures suppressing those opinions, while keeping in mind not to harm others is what freedom of speech is truly about. Freedom of speech is a basic human right to every individual, although the way you present and utilize your opinions on a specific topic has to be within limits; meaning if it harms individuals and/or society, the law can then intervene.

A controversial situation arose in mid August 2016 when Colin Kaepernick of the 49s refused to stand during the singing of the national anthem as a silent protest against police brutality and racial injustice in the US. This has prompted a national question: Is it ok to protest by kneeling during the National Anthem? Personally, I believe as a matter of freedom of speech and expression one should be able to show disapproval of governmental and societal actions in a way that is respectful, peaceful, and safe. I interviewed Geneva Sinkula, a freshman architecture major at the University of Nebraska who has been my best friend for years. Her family has several military ties and therefore they share strong opinions on this particular topic that they were willing to share.

In the United States, the citizens pride themselves on having a capitalistic democracy and the ability to have freedom of speech, but in Russia that simple freedom has never been a guaranteed right. In recent years, the treatment and trauma given towards all Russian citizens, but specifically journalists who might be going against the Kremlin, has come to light and it has a great cause for concern. The biggest worry that comes from a United States viewpoint is that as the tension grows between the Russian government and its citizens, more specifically the journalists, their ability to spread the news of these troublesome treatments is massively decreased. This is largely because in crude words as history has shown, when you go against the Kremlin, you are screwed. To have one of the most powerful countries in the world limit and diminish their citizen’s ability to criticize and critique their government is disgusting and quite frightening, especially coming from the point of view as a United States citizen.

Imagine a school free of disruptions. Free of bullying and harassment. That's what all students and teachers want, right? Report to school every day,get a proper education. But that's not the case in all schools. Some students are not able to learn during the school day. They may get distracted by going off topic in class or get disturbed by what someone is wearing. If their freedom of speech is limited, students will actually be able to learn. Freedom of speech should have limits because it increases education time, it allows kids to prepare for the future, and it limits bullying and harassment.

The speech I selected is called “Why Freedom of Speech is Necessary”, and it was given by University of Toronto professor Jordan B. Peterson. Professor Peterson gave this speech on May 13th, 2017, at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. Professor Peterson was called upon to give this speech to explain the incredible value of freedom of speech, and why it is critical to any society, and especially to the individuals within said society. The professor’s speech took place during the Annual General Meeting of the Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship, with his event titled “Why Freedom of Speech is Not Just Another Value”. The SAFS was formed in 1992, in Canada, with the goals of “maintaining freedom in teaching, research, and scholarship”, and “maintaining standards of excellence in academic decisions about students and faculty” (safs.ca.about.html). The SAFS holds meetings yearly, to discuss popular topics in a purely informative manner, while not associating with any political ideology/ party. Jordan Peterson’s event was the Keynote Address of the one-day conference, and he was the third and final speaker of the day. Before his speech was a buffet lunch, and following his speech was an Annual Business Meeting for SAFS members only. Peterson’s speech was important as it was the longest out of the three, by a half hour. The audience of Professor Peterson’s speech consisted mainly of middle to older-aged people, ranging in diversity, but middle-aged to