8 Values of Free Expression Blog #3

 The 8 Values of Free Expression

In the hands of the First Amendment, American citizens are protected in most regards. Of course, there are deviations to the law, in which one may suffer the consequences of their actions. Concerning the generalized 8 values of freedom, I find there is one theory that I particularly align with; the Protection of Dissent. 

The 8 values of free expression are as follows: (1) the Discovery of Truth, (2) Participation in Self-Government, (3) Stable Change, (4) Individual Self-Fulfillment, (5) Check on Governmental Power, (6) Promote Tolerance, (7) Promote Innovation, and (8) Protect Dissent. 

The First Amendment maintains the right to protest any given matter, that is, within the right legal standings. If you're planning on orchestrating a protest on private property, you may want to rethink the idea. Additionally, protests should be civil and never should result in violence, obstruction, or resisting law enforcement. 

Before many of us, came illegal forms of protesting. An example we all know is the famously-led protest by Rosa Parks. A strenuous effort was made to protect the rights of African Americans to successfully challenge the prohibition preventing them from access to the public transport system. Although not favored in the eye of the law, this protest broke headlines on November 13th, 1956, as transport segregation contradicted the Constitution. The boycott was deemed successful later that December and the right to protest the government was upheld. Written in the article, "The Bus Boycott" by the Library of Congress, it reads: "The Montgomery Boycott became the model for human rights throughout the world." 

Montgomery Bus Boycott

This is one of many ways in which Americans have protested the government and exercised their 1st Amendment right to utilize the freedom of speech, a concept so fondly spoken of in the United States.

Take a look at the following sites to find out more: 

 NPR  LOC 

By exercising the "Protection of Dissent" it is possible to effectively influence change in a world that is so incredibly polar that we are unable to hear out opposing views and perspectives. In the last decade, it is reasonable to claim that our mask of professionalism as a country, has fallen. When the presidential race began in 2016, tension arose between Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump. It ignited sort of a frenzy amongst people, and we began to turn on each other. The following election presented a much worse result. In 2020, the war between Trump and Biden gained much traction in the media, and more so among the people. Since then, the feud in politics has only grown stiffer. 

In the recent election, which will eventually play out this November, the war is much more driven by the public rather than the candidates themselves. The media plays an enormous role in current events, and can easily sway an audience. Candidates gain traction through word of mouth, and they will then have more viewers and supporters of said platform. 

Infamously, the United States Capitol Attack on January 6th instigated an entire slew of riots, protests, and acts of vandalism. Certain Republican individuals were enraged over the election and felt a message had to be sent to the office for them to be heard. A multitude of Trump supporters rallied on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, and many refer to the event as "Domestic Terrorism." In this case, this action violated the Constitution and was no longer protected by the First Amendment. One can face consequences for participating in aggressive acts, even in large group efforts. 

The Protection of Dissent, to me, is the most significant principle we are allowed as citizens. To use our voice without fear of consequence is an empowering feeling. Not everyone is the kind to dole out their opinions left and right, but those who do are protected under the F.A. regardless if they are in the minority.