Eight Values of Freedom Expression

 In America, we have freedoms that are protected under the 1st amendment. The amendment protects our freedom of speech, religion, to petition and to peaceably assemble. Reading the speech theories which is comprised of eight values of free expression, has given me more insight about why freedom of speech is so important. The first value is Marketplace of Ideas, it was proposed by John Milton and it suggests that truth will always win over falsehood. The next one is Participation in Self-Government, proposed by Alexander Meiklejohn. This theory suggests that citizens can’t make an informed election choice if candidates are restricted in their communication. The third value is Stable Change, proposed by Benedict Spinoza, which suggests that people in society should be able to vent and speak out against the government. Having that freedom would lead to a more stable and safer society. Value four is Individual Self-Fulfillment, proposed by C. Edwin Baker. This states that free speech allows one to express themself and create their own identity, thus resulting in autonomy. After that, value five is Check on Governmental Power proposed by Vince Blasi. It suggests that we the people, as well as the press are a part of the checks and balances system. Value six proposed by Lee Bollinger, is to promote tolerance. This theory suggests that since hate speech is protected under the first amendment, it leads us to become a better, more tolerable society, with knowing what is and isn’t socially acceptable. Theory seven is to promote innovation, proposed by Jack Balkin. This states that a society that has the freedom of speech is basically a better community. The final value is Protect Dissent, proposed by Steve Shiffrin. This suggests that we SHOULD criticize the government.

Reading over these values of free expression, I think the one that resonated the most with me was probably the Promote Innovation. It also feels the most personal.  Being a game design major and someone who likes art in general, I can’t imagine how our society would be if we had major restrictions on what we could create. For example if we had restrictions on art expression, would we have the public sculptures of Jonathan Bowling? Would we have the works of Salvador Dali? I also resonate with the Self-Fulfillment value. This is a basic example, but I could never imagine having to wear
a uniform to school. Having to wear a uniform takes away your individuality and your creativity, especially when you’re young. With all of these free expression values, you see each one in effect in America today. We’re allowed to criticize the government without getting killed or thrown in jail, we are allowed to create art and have our own beliefs, we are allowed to make movies, and video games, and tv shows, we are allowed to hear out the election candidates without restriction.