Blog Post #3

Eight Values of Free Expression:

In the first few weeks of Media Law and Literacy, I've been learning new things about First Amendment rights and why it's so important to society. Before these classes, I didn’t even know about these values, which is surprising because they’re so important in our society. These values help protect our rights and allow us the privilege of free expression.

• Marketplace of Ideas: Also called the pursuit of truth, this is a concept arguing against requiring publishing licenses, and supporting open discussion as the best way to uncover the truth.

• Participation in Self-Government: Free speech allows citizens to become better informed about candidates and issues, which supports making well-informed choices in elections.

• Stable Change: This method involves allowing people to voice their complaints, settling social disputes peacefully, and prioritizing stability over hatred. 

• * Individual Self-Fulfillment: The freedom to speak and express oneself helps people shape their own identities and pursue personal growth.

• * Check on Governmental Power: To keep leaders responsible and preserve the balance of power, a free press enables citizens to learn about wrongdoing by the government.

• * Promote Tolerance: Free speech encourages acceptance and respect for differing views and backgrounds, fostering a society that values diversity.

• Promote Innovation: Protecting free speech creates an environment where people feel energized and encouraged to be creative and contribute new ideas.

• Protect Dissent: This is the right to oppose or criticize the government or others openly. The First Amendment safeguards minority viewpoints, even if they’re unpopular.

    It was hard for me to decide which eight principles of expression spoke to me the most because I believe they are all very important to our community today. The two that feel most personal to me are individual Self-Fulfillment and Promote Tolerance. Individual Self-Fulfillment resonates because it's about the freedom to explore, define, and express our own identities. I chose this one because it expresses free speech and is a way for people to express themselves. A crucial component of personal growth is, self-fulfillment and this can benefit one's level of life enjoyment.  Because of social media, this quality is also highly important in our daily lives. With technology being involved in our everyday lives, social media is used by a large number of people, and for many of them, it's a way they choose to express their opinions and how they receive news. A strong example of Individual Self-Fulfillment is seen in the work of a blogger, YouTubers, or TikTok creators who use their platforms to express their identities, passions, and unique viewpoints and make a career out of it. 

Promote Tolerance also stands out to me because it supports the idea of a society where people can coexist with acceptance, even with differences in backgrounds. Personally, I have seen programs such as "No Place for Hate" in many schools because it encourages students to respect different viewpoints and backgrounds, working to build a more inclusive environment. This is something important to learn at a young age because it makes the world a better place and it can encourage young kids to be open and understanding of different viewpoints. Additionally, social media is essential for fostering tolerance. Users may learn about cultures, lives, and beliefs that differ from their own by listening to a variety of individuals share their experiences and viewpoints. Overall is important to listen to other viewpoints in any setting. When we take the time to listen to other viewpoints, we gain knowledge and new insights that can push us to expand our understanding. The idea of Promoting Tolerance is a great example of this, especially when it comes to the current debates over climate change. It shows how a concept can really come to life in the real world. By highlighting the value of collaborating across political and social divisions, this engagement helps in dissolving opposition and fosters a culture of tolerance toward dissenting views on climate solutions. 

    Check on Governmental Power is one I really see in action today. There are so many platforms now where people expose and discuss government decisions, question officials, and mobilize others for change. With digital media, almost anyone can report or challenge what's happening in government, leading to more transparency and accountability than ever before.

    From doing this assignment, I believe that more people should be made aware of the significance of these principles since, although I was personally unaware of them before this class, I believe they are essential to our society and our rights.