Eight Values of Free Expression

I was unaware of the eight values of free expression until our class and further research. They are all important values to our freedom of speech. The eight values are Marketplace of Ideas, Participation in Self-Government, Stable Change, Individual Self-Fulfillment, Check on Governmental Power, Promote Tolerance, Promote Innovation, and Protect Dissent. There were three values I thought were the most important. These values are specifically important to our Government and to individuals. 

The first value is a Check on Government. The worry of too much Government power goes all the way back to the drafting of the Constitution. This is the reason for checks and balances, which is arguably one of the most important parts of our governmental system. There have to be proper checks on each branch of the government to ensure that one branch does not gain more power or infringe on the rights of the people. 

The second value is to Protect Dissent. I think this one is also extremely important. People have to be able to criticize their government. If citizens were not allowed to speak out against what they disagree with, there would never be change. 

The last value that is important is Participation in Self-Government. This is important because citizens have to be able to speak to their Government. This goes along with the value of Protecting Dissent. There has to be open communication between the people and the Government to ensure that the Government is still running for the people. 

The value that felt most personal to me was Individual Self-Fulfillment. I think this value is important to everyone, especially because everyone's idea of self-fulfillment is different. This value protects your ability to do what you want to do and believe. I also think this value is important because it is something everyone struggles with. Free speech allows people to express themselves and be who they want to be. I think it is very important for people to be able to choose who they want to be and how they want to express themselves. I also think that because of how society is today, this one has to be consistently protected. 

In our society, I see each of the eight values in action today. I think the one that is more frequent right now is promoting tolerance. In the last few years, our society has adopted new standards for what is okay and what is not okay. People have also started advocating more for their groups and their beliefs. Our society has also progressed more and begun to be less accepting of intolerant behavior, which is great. Something we pointed out in class that stuck out to me is that there has to be room for differences. I think this is definitely true, especially in a country that is full of diversity and in a world that is so interconnected by different platforms, technologies, and practices. Promoting tolerance is something that should always happen and a value that should always be important.