The Importance Of The Freedom Of Speech

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.

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.

Freedom of speech is a right that allows one to express their opinions on a number of things without the fear of the Government interfering, as long as it does not cause harm to people. This Amendment is essential for constant progress in society and speak up about things that people feel is wrong. People should feel comfortable expressing their opinions and exchanging their thoughts with those who may disagree, not to feel threatened or afraid just by being in society or out in public. There are laws that prohibit any forms of harassment, including racial and sexual, in an educational or work place. There are also laws that prohibit discrimination and defamation against a person’s character. The First Amendment protects a lot of speech and/or actions, but there are some forms that are not protected. Hate speech should not be protected under the Free Speech Clause as that is someone’s way of intentionally offending and hurting someone by belittling, dehumanizing, and sometimes threatening another person’s life.

In 1787 our United States Constitution was created and signed. Since that day it has been

In the USA people are allowed the right to express their opinion openly without the risk of backlash from others who are offended by it. Freedom of speech is a very important privilege that our founding father felt should be instilled in the government to promote democracy. Being able to express one’s own opinions and concerns openly without the risk of being executed or put in prison by the king, was an important part of their political view. This was a major concern that was very important for the founding fathers, and for that reason it was the first concern that was addressed when they were creating the laws of this new government. This in theory, would assist and allow the people of the USA to have a voice in running its’ own government. The first amendment allows freedom of speech to its people and welcomes open discussion on handling government issues. Though freedom of speech is important to allow self-expression, sometimes freedom of speech in relation to personal issues can cause conflict and opposing views between individuals. Some may use or even abuse the privilege of the first amendment to make offensive comments that affect others in a negative way. In this essay I will be presenting an example of a court case of Morse v. Frederick that test the boundaries of free speech, and how examples from this case effect both sides of the argument, and in addition

How can we define free speech? The understanding to free speech has changed over the years with the usage of technology. Who are the ones to decide what can or cannot be said to someone? For example, let’s look at the former LA Clippers owner, Donald Sterling and chef Paula Dean. Society has a limit to certain types of meaning for free speech, both made comments about African-Americans in their own privacy that became public news due to someone either privately recording them or reading into something that probably was taking out of context. And society took it as hateful and unethical, and the punishment for them speaking freely cost them millions behind their personal private conversation. Then we have African-American rappers using the “N” word freely all the time without any consequences. One would agree it’s okay for them because it’s coming from their own culture, but then you have others would say how? When it supposed to be a very degrading word to use.

In the united states of america, the first amendment on the united states Constitution guaranteeing the right of free expression and action that are fundamental to democratic government. These rights include freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech. In december of 1966, a man named Clarence Brandenburg was sent was sent to prison and convicted for exercising his first amendment right to freedom of speech. In the summer of 1964 in Rural, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati, Clarence Brandenburg led a Ku Klux Klan rally and invites a Cincinnati news station to cover the event. The station agreed to it and started filming portions of the rally showing 12 men with hoods and robes and with some of whom carried firearms. and some shouting horrible ethic things plus they film them standing around a wooden cross and started burning it. Near the end of the rally, Brandenburg concluded the rally by saying a speech and portions of the speech were filmed live. He said, “"This is an organizers' meeting. We have had quite a few members here today which are -- we have hundreds, hundreds of members throughout the State of Ohio. I can quote from a newspaper clipping from the Columbus, Ohio Dispatch, five weeks ago Sunday morning. The Klan has more members in the State of Ohio than does any other organization. We're not a revengent organization, but if our President, our Congress, our Supreme Court continues to suppress the white, Caucasian race,

Every word or phrase has its own baggage, and Americans are free to say what they desire. They are fortunate to possess this right of free speech, but they are also accountable for their speech. It takes a lot of life experience to be able to effectively communicate what one wants to voice. Furthermore, free speech or expression is especially prevalent in the college setting along with the responsibility that comes with that right. As a result, college is time of discovering precisely where one stands, so they can wisely utilize their unique right of free speech.

In the United States of America, U.S citizens are rightfully given inalienable rights, which it cannot be taken away. These inalienable rights grant U.S citizens the right of free speech, freely worship a religion, and to live a life with the Pursuit of Happiness. However, across the nation, there are numerous cases in which school administrators violate students’ right to free speech. School officials are not utilizing their jurisdiction responsibly, and they are not following the First Amendment rights, due to unreasonably given punishments.

Campuses across the country have seen the rise of student protests against speakers over the recent years and several examples have turned violent. This is just one of the many issues involving free speech on campuses. As colleges and universities try their best to avoid controversy and disruption, free speech is put under pressure by policies that both limit and harm it. Regardless of whether they are legally allowed to do so, aren’t colleges and universities obligated to protect free speech? Without free speech protecting the communication and exchanging of ideas between students, higher education is just like primary/secondary education but with higher level courses. Many colleges and universities are guilty of obstructing free speech through policies aimed to take control of it: three common ways campus administrations dictate the limits of free speech are by implementing free speech zones that confine free expression to physical boundaries, involving security and police to supervise protests, and even disinviting speaker’s that were already invited. They may take these actions to prevent disruptions to the learning environment, but the result of their rules and regulations inhibit their students’ intellects, even though they pay tuition to learn at their schools.

The foundation of the United States of America can be boiled down to 3 historical documents. Those 3 documents are the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights serves to protect the rights of the individual. From the freedom of the press to the freedom to bear arms. One of the most debated rights or freedoms was the right to free speech. Americans have debated what exactly the right to free speech entails since the bill of rights was written in 1792 by James Madison. Strictly speaking, freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment which states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech . . .” (U.S. Constitution). What exactly free speech protects or doesn’t protect has evolved over the course of America’s history. Free speech is one of the most important individual rights and therefore when free speech is possibly threatened or infringed upon it is a big deal especially when the person in Question who could possibly be impinged on Free Speech is the President of the United States. The situation in question surrounds the NFL players protesting the National Anthem through various actions. Many people felt that the players were disrespecting the flag, the country, and the soldiers who fight to protest the country. President Trump responded to this situation during a September 22nd rally in Alabama stating that

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.

It is a recurring motif in modern media and popular culture: an artist or politician says something disagreeable and the moment backlash strikes, they or news outlets attempt to tear apart criticizers--denouncing the unhappy citizens as non-patriots who refuse to acknowledge the first amendment. The United States of America, in the speaker’s perspective, is about freedom and getting to do what they would like to and say what they would like to without consequences. The idea of speech being free of consequences is partially true; our first amendment protects citizens from government intervention with their speech… for the most part. We may be allowed to speak our minds, but there is an ever-moving and adjusting line between what is permissible and what is not in our ever-shifting mindsets and seemingly shrinking world. With the overwhelming presence of globalization and the popularization of the internet and social media in the United States, the distinctions between what falls under free speech that is okay and free speech that demands punishment become more and more ambiguous.

Can you sensor an ideology or what about speech? Do humans have the right to freedom of speech or should word and ideas be limited because certain ideas are deemed too harsh for the public’s ear? I believe that all speech should heard and no ideas censored. That your actions and speech should have consequences good and bad. Throughout history freedom has allowed nations to prevail.