The Eight Values of Freedom have become a very important aspect in society. When it comes to free speech and expression, which is often protected by the First Amendment, there are values listed that show how and why these rights are so important to Americans. Out of the eight values, the one that resonates with me the most is the fourth value, Individual Self-Fulfillment, also known as Self-Actualization. According to C. Edwin Baker’s, Human Liberty and Freedom of Speech, the value is described as, “Free speech enables individuals to express themselves and thereby create their own identity — and, in the process perhaps, find kindred spirits. Freedom of speech thus becomes an aspect of human dignity, human agency and autonomy.” This statement shows how important speech can impact an individual’s character, dignity, and morality.
The ability to have free speech plays an important role when it comes to being an American. The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” This Amendment protects our rights to be able to have the freedom to express ourselves however we may please. Although, there are a few terms and conditions. The First Amendment does not protect defamation of character, any form of slander, fighting words, and incitement of violence. Personally, this makes sense because if people took the freedom of speech literally, there would be chaos at every corner. I believe that this is the most important one because it emphasizes the fact that what you say and do, protected or not, still represents an individual’s character, moral, and dignity. For example, if I choose to yell explicit language in a public setting, that is a poor reflection on my character. If people saw me act that way, they would not be able to respect me as a decent human being because that just shows that I do not respect myself and do not have enough self dignity if I am letting myself act out like that publicly. These freedoms are given to us as a luxury, it is not a requirement, which is clearly shown in other countries that do not share the same freedoms that we are blessed to live under. It is up to us as a society to choose to use our freedom of speech and expression wisely and to use it for good rather than to diminish our morals and dignity. We as a people should not take advantage of our privileges.
Freedom of speech and expression will always have its ups and down when it comes to determining whether or not something is protected. Although, the one thing that will never change is that the way we use our freedoms will always have an effect on how we are seen by others, our true character, and how we choose to live our lives as individuals.
