Blog Post #5: Eight Values of Free Expression

     The Eight Values of Free Expression are crucial when it comes to our first amendment rights being an American Citizen. I don't see one value meaning more than another as all of our rights and expressions as citizens should be taken seriously and with pride. The marketplace of ideas creates a structure and an outline for what we see as the basis of the countries values. All eight values speak out and are meaningful to all citizens yet they all intertwine together, making what it is to be an American. 

If freedom of speech was not in place individuals would not be individuals. No one would be able to speak their mind and or their truth. America would be seen as a very different place if we did not have the freedoms we have in place. The American Dream would not be sought after, change would not be made and voices would no longer be heard. “Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave” within our countries national anthem underlines what people come to America for. Seeking a better life, opportunity and the right to speak their mind freely without consequence. 

Within the article Market Place of Ideas it speaks upon the “marketplace of ideas refers to the belief that the test of the truth or acceptance of ideas depends on their competition with one another an not on the opinion of a censor, whether or not one provided by the government or by some other authority” (Marketplace of Ideas). This reiterates freedom of speech and being able to speak your truth. The marketplace of ideas allows individuals to speak their truth and prove them to be correct. Allowing others to express themselves in belief allows for new ideas and perspectives to be brought to the table. This is beneficial to all as all of the marketplace ideas align with freedom of speech and everything it entails. 

Being able to create your own identity and path is one of the many benefits of being a citizen of the United States. This specifically aligns with the value of self-fulfillment. The promotion of tolerance is also affected by the marketplace of ides as it helps individuals see hate speech and speak out against it. Being able to respond and defend the side you choose to speak upon. This idea can also be shown within governmental power, if citizens do not speak upon where they think the government is lacking and or needs improvement upon nothing would ever get changed. Progression would not be made and laws, acts and bills would not be changed. It protects dissents and allows us as citizens to disagree with the government and speak out against it. Being able to use our voices and call out the government for what we believe they are doing wrong promoting change and growth. Overall the power that we have as citizens is something not many people in this world get to experience. Exercising your First Amendment and speaking freely is one way you as a citizen can not only better our nation yet promote change and growth.