Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Blog Post #4 - The Values of Free Experssion


Free expression is an essential component of any democratic society. It allows individuals to communicate their thoughts and opinions without fear of censorship or retribution.

 The concept of free expression is rooted in eight values: marketplace of ideas, participation in self-government, stable change, individual self- fulfillment, check on government power, promotion of tolerance, promotion of innovation, and protection of dissent. 


Of these eight values, the one that resonates with me the most is the individual self-fulfillment value. This value emphasizes the importance of free expression in enabling individuals to realize their full potential and to lead to fulfilling lives. It acknowledges that each individual is unique and has their own perspective, interests, and aspirations, and that free expression is essential to allow individuals to express these aspects of themselves. The value of individual self-fulfillment is grounded in the idea that each person has a right to pursue their own happiness and fulfillment, as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others. This, in turn, allows individuals to explore and develop their own identities. 

For me, the value of individual self-fulfillment resonates strongly because I believe that each person has a unique set of talents, skills, and interests that should be nurtured and developed. I can not imagine a life where I would be unable to express my creativity of ideas and art. I am a big reader, I love to read nonfiction books where I can choose what I want to learn from other peoples experiences and ideas. Having the freedom to read anything I want without the government choosing what I read, is something I take advantage of as I realized some areas in the world aren't so fortunate to have this form of free expression.  Free expression allows individuals to share these talents and skills with others, to inspire and be inspired, and to contribute to the common good. It also encourages creativity and innovation, as individuals are free to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what is possible. 

Individual Self-Fulfillment Value and Social Media 

In today's world, social media has become a prominent platform for self- expression. People use social media to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences with a wider audience. This can be a positive thing, as it allows individuals to connect with others and feel heard. 

However, there are also negative aspects to social media that can hinder self- fulfilment. For example, the pressure to conform to social norms and gain popularity on social media can cause individuals to suppress their true thoughts and feelings in order to fit in. This can lead to a lack of authenticity and challenge personal growth. So, while social media remains a good platform of free self- expression, it is important for individuals to use it mindfully and prioritize their own well- being over short-term validation. 

Individual Self-Fulfillment Value and Current News

This value also resonates strongly with many current news stories that highlight the struggles of individuals fighting for their right to express themselves and pursue their passions. For instance, the #MeToo movement that began in 2017, has brought to light the experiences of countless women who have been subjected to sexual harassment and assault in the workplace. This movement has highlighted the importance of free expression for individuals to speak up about their experiences and pursue justice for themselves and others who have been similarly affected. 

Overall, this value is particularly relevant in many of today's news stories, which often center on the struggles of individuals fighting for their right to express themselves and achieve personal growth and self realization. 



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