Eight Values of Free Expression
The “Theory of Stable Change” or Safety Value resonates with me most because this theory says that people who speak their minds are less likely to be violent. This theory is very important right now because people have the right to vote and speak their minds on who they want to win an election. When we have elections in the U.S. we have a say on who we want to vote on but one side will end up unhappy. They will need to be able to speak up about their reaction or dissatisfaction so that they do not become violent. When citizens feel safe to speak about their feelings they will still feel like they are part of the decision making process even though their candidate did not win the election. Stable Change says that when everyone can speak out, things remain calm. Voting is one way that citizens can speak their minds. Another way is through protests. When citizens gather to protest for or against something happening in the country they are trying to communicate with elected officials to make a change. If they are prevented from speaking out they might become violent to get their point across. This is why the right to protest is so important because it can be a safe and effective way of expressing dissatisfaction.
The next theory that stands out is “Protect Dissent” because that also relates to protests and that is so important now because our country is very divided. Right now many people are unhappy with many aspects of the government. These people have the right to protest against it and they also have the right to speak or write to express their opinions. The First Amendment protects free speech including minority views and the right to disagree with the government. People who speak out against the government should have the same protection as the people who are speaking for the government. In everyday life I see the holes in this theory because we see people banning books in school because they do not agree with the messages, even children’s books like Dr Seuss can be banned.
Banned Books in the USA
If we do not let people see different sides of the story they will not have a full understanding of the issues and can not make up their minds for themselves. The citizens need that right or this is no longer a free country. It is important to hear all sides of issues because we are all citizens of this country and have a right to express our opinions.
The theory that we see in action today is “Individual Self Fulfillment”. One of the ways that citizens express themselves is through social media. Not only do they talk about their favorite food or music but they will also talk about things that they support or do not support like politics. Many people create their identities on social media and that is where they can find people that agree with them so they can create a community. One of the things that we hear a lot about now is people are getting punished for things that they are putting on their social media. People can get fired from their jobs for their opinions even if they are not violent or dangerous. This is not right and this is a violation of free speech; this is not how the U.S. is supposed to work.
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