The eight values of free expression together make up the foundation of free speech in the United States. Each of these eight values hold such power within our country, as they are the basis for democracy itself. They provide individuals with the ability to criticize the government, each other, and themselves; as they promote ideas of individuality, change, self-actualization, and more. These eight values portray the importance of the First Amendment to the lives of Americans. Without any one of these values, society and the lives of individuals would drastically change in immeasurable ways.
Marketplace of Ideas
John Milton is charged with the proclamation of the Marketplace of Ideas, in his Areopagitica where he said “Let truth and falsehood grapple; who ever knew Truth put to the worse, in a free and open encounter”. This statement birthed the Marketplace of Ideas, which claims that it is important to hear all types of ideas whether they are good or bad because in the end the good truthful ideas will prevail and be that much stronger. This idea has gone on to develop and inspire even individuals today, 100 years later, such as musician Kelly Clarkson who claims “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. I would argue that this is the most important value overall, as it is the very basis of why free speech is so vital to a successful democracy, as well as is the foundation for all of the other seven values. It allows an exchange of ideas and thoughts no matter if they are so called “right” or “wrong”.
This is what separates us from so many other countries, such as China, North Korea, and Iran. Individuals are able to voice their own opinions, political views, statements, and so on whether they are backed up or not and for individuals to decide what to believe – which Milton claims is evidently the truth. This freedom allows people to be different, to speak and think differently, and to proudly say whatever they think to be true. Moreover, this leads to good debates and can help to create new ideas and ways of thinking as it provides the opportunity for an open conservation.
Individual Self-Fulfillment
The fourth value of free expression, Individual Self-Fulfillment, can be traced back to C. Edwin Baker. Baker makes claims that free expression protected by the First Amendment is “protected not as a means to achieve a collective good but because of its value to the individual''. In other words, the idea is that free speech is meant so that individuals are able to express themselves and therefore create their own identities. This is the most important of the eight values to me. I think that self-expression is a vital and necessary element of free speech. This is what allows people to choose their own paths, identities, characteristics, interests, and so on. It is what allows people to shape their own lives to the way they want them to be.
This is such a huge part of the American identity as well. I have read and wrote countless essays on the idea of the American Dream; the somewhat elusive ideal that Americans strived for and what made our country so precious to so many. This idea is what drew my own grandparents to immigrate to the United States from Ireland, Denmark, and Canada. They pursued this ideal and began creating the life that they wanted for themselves and their families, through hard-work and perseverance. They were able to do this because of the idea of Individual Self-Fulfillment. They set themselves apart and choose to bravely make a journey, start anew in a foreign country, all for the rights and protections offered by the First Amendment and Constitution. They came to fulfill their own idea of the American Dream, one that was made possible through values such as Self-Fulfillment.
Promote Tolerance
The sixth value, produced by Lee Bollinger is Promote Tolerance. This value argues that even though the First Amendment protects free speech including hate and crude speech, which can upset individuals, it actually makes our society stronger. The protection of this type of speech provides society with the chance to learn lessons. As individuals, once this type of speech is heard, they can then decide for themselves – thanks to the First Amendment – whether or not they want to personally tolerate that type of speech. Although they cannot forbid it from being said or being out in the world, they can choose whether or not they will tolerate it.
I think that this value is what is most commonly seen in society today. This has become a very popular topic especially with the growth of social media and my generation joining the large population of users. Although I do think that this is a very beneficial value and should absolutely be utilized, I think that people have taken it a bit too far. As a society, especially over quarantine when individuals spent an absurd amount of time online and when a lot of controversial issues were occurring or being discussed, this value became misused. In 2020, “cancel culture” was on the rise. Individuals were using this to accuse politicians, celebrities, and even regular people for what they were saying online. I personally do not condone hateful speech especially when it is done hidden behind a screen, however the First Amendment does in fact protect the rights of individuals to make these types of comments. More importantly though, “cancel culture” was being used to silence people who had differing views. It got out of control and was turned into a hunt for anything to silence individuals from speaking their minds. This very concept goes against free expression in its entirety and therefore could be detrimental if abused.
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