There have been many new things I have learned in this specific class, and having online class is truly not the same. Some of the subjects, people, and historical events that I have "re-learned," really have brought my interest into a lot of new things that I never thought I would be interested in. Me? A person who loves History? Never have thought about that in my life. However, one of the newest things that I have learned about in this class, dug into some more research about and am here to write about is: the Eight Values of Free Expression.
Did I know these existed? Sure, of course! (Like every other American...) Yet, did I know what each Values stood for, and what the purpose of its existence is? Absolutely not. So, I investigated. I read about all 8 Values, and one of them really stood out to me. Number 4: Individual Self-Fulfillment. Or has been titled: Self Actualization. In this Value, the definition of what its purpose is given by Professor Smith: Free speech enables individuals to express themselves, create and identify -- and, in the process perhaps, find kindred spirits. Freedom of speech thus becomes an aspect of human dignity. Now this, this is something that is so powerful, and something that I 100% agree with.
But for someone who knows generally about Freedom of Speech and the idea of it, why should they think it's important? Freedom of Speech gives us as a society to adapt, change, develop, grow, prosper, and much more. This whole idea gives society permission to tell them: "Alright, well if you wanna do better, what's your bright idea?" And society answers saying: "This is what i've got, and it's killer." That whole idea is so powerful! Having the ability to stand up in front of hundreds, thousands, and possibly millions of people and tell them how you want to improve this nation as a whole is a key concept on why people want to come to America in the first place. Why people fight to move here, and start a family so that their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren have the opportunity and ability to be free, and take on opportunities like Freedom of Speech.
Not only that, but this Value also gives us as a society the ability to listen, and put action towards the ideas that are being brought about. It's one thing to talk about something and say that you have big plans to make it happen, however it's a whole other step to actually go through with it and put your plan into action. Freedom of Speech gives us the ability to do so.
This Value is personally my favorite, and to me is possibly the most important out of all eight. This specific point gives Americans the ability to grow as a society, as a country, and as a nation. It gives us the opportunity to develop, prosper, and keep moving forward so that we are doing the best we possibly can to make sure everyone is living the life they intend to.
No comments:
Post a Comment