Blog Post #3

Speech Theories!

Out Of The eight values of expression, I believe two to be the most important. After reading each theory, I became interested in the ones that discussed the representation of a citizen's voice and the role it plays in the relationship to social issues and their fellow citizens. Additionally, I believe these two theories to be most important after reflecting on class discussions regarding the dynamic between a citizen and the government.

The first theory I would like to discuss is individual self-fulfillment. ( AKA self-actualization), this theory is fairly simple. The main idea is that free speech enables us to create our own identities and relate to others, and through honest interaction and dialogue, we can find a form of common ground between conflicting ideologies. On a surface level, this is a no-brainer; If you were to go around surveying anyone you saw walking down the street and ask them if they’re for or against freedom of speech, chances are, they would be for it.

However, The term, “ Freedom Of Speech” sounds a little broad. In the Constitution, it seems to connect to a larger idea than the ability to say whatever you want whenever you want to. The First Amendment is a central point of democracy. Meaning, that we can say no to our government, as well as protect us when we are in the minority on a particular subject.

• Link to Congress.gov:  The First Amendment.

The Constitution, and what the theory tells us, imply that freedom Of Speech must be provided to the public, for other factors of the First Amendment to operate in harmony. For the sake of a brain experiment, if freedom of speech was not permitted, how would Freedom Of The press serve us?

Would freedom of speech be permitted only through publishing? Through the reporters themselves? Would the public be unable to react or voice opinions on news covering events that affect them? This is an interesting hypothetical idea to think about, as I don’t think there's only one clear answer.

What this theory got me thinking about, was the relationship between the different principles of the First Amendment. I concluded, that freedom of speech is an essential core of the promise of the First Amendment. Without it, a citizen's relationship with the government would no longer operate in the conditional rights that we as the American people have come to rely on.  

On another note, if freedom of speech were altered, changed, or taken away outright, the way in which we utilize social media would change drastically and would lose any authenticity. Regardless of how you feel about social media, freedom of speech, and sharing your voice in a multitude of other accounts that are doing the same, is the concept every platform revolves around. ( With a few caveats )

Here is an interesting article I found that I thought related to the conversation. It brings up the interesting point, that social media companies are not bound to the First Amendment. This article claims that social media companies behave based on their own independent First Amendment rules. They can monitor and sensor accounts as they please under their terms of service policies.

• Social Media Article:                          Freedom On Social Media: A Complete Guide.

I thought it was interesting to think about the policies of a social media company and its jurisdiction when censoring an account. Is certain censorship ok? Where is the line drawn?

The next theory that piqued my interest, was number seven, Promote Innovation. This theory describes the effect that free speech has on a community. Claiming that free speech results in a more energized, creative, and interesting society, as citizens are actively fulfilling themselves in many diverse ways. This theory goes hand and hand with the previous, that freedom of speech, from a citizen’s or community member’s perspective, should unquestionably be authentically protected.

In terms of how this freedom relates to citizens, “Fulfilling themselves” my mind went toward the idea of civilian activism. Given Freedom of speech, people can pursue, address, fight for, rally, and put their voices toward a particular issue in society they feel needs addressing, without being concerned about being told to be silenced.

The theory continues to describe freedom of speech's ability to energize a community and fulfill people. I imagine that advocating for change regarding social issues would go hand in hand with this concept, as fighting for what you believe in is very fulfilling, and can give one a purpose. Some personal information, I have taken an interest in social issues in the past couple of years.  For me personally, I have become more aware of the ongoing sustainability issues in the ocean. This has led me to follow organizations such as 4 Ocean and the Sustainability Ocean Alliance, and all the work that goes into cleaning coastal ecosystems.

• Click on the following Images for links:

                                                                                    

I do not consider myself an “activist” by any means, but it has become a small passion of mine. Furthermore, in terms of freedom of speech’s role in society, I believe the First Amendment plays a substantial one. I believe it allows for those organizations to exist, and without it, I wonder how social issues would be addressed if we as American people were denied that right. My guess is that a lot of issues would be forgotten and remain unaddressed. 

We talked about Market Failure in class and how the government's interference in the flow of information resulted in a higher fatality rate due to COVID-19. As I have mentioned before, I am not an activist, nor very politically engaged. However, this right plays a critical component in what defines us as Americans. The ability to voice opinions in society, with no fear of governmental meddling, is an important factor that makes us who we are. After hearing examples such as market failure, I have gained a superior understanding of not only the relevance of the First Amendment but also the power it provides us; I believe this to be a power one must exercise when one sees fit. Not only for their livelihood, but their communities.