(3) Eight Values of Free Expression

In today's society, we tend to throw the First Amendment out freely when it comes to people speaking in public. But, there is a distinct line when using the term freedom of speech. This course focuses on how the First Amendment protects Americans from the government when used properly. The Eight Values of Free Expression represent how free speech is a powerful tool that can help our community grow, stay fair, and keep the government in check while also balancing the priority of safety and respect.

Stable Change (safety valve)

Riot or Protest. The difference between those is violence. We as Americans, have a right to speak freely, whether it is against the government or for it. When action gets involved, that is when freedom of speech is broken and not allowed when fighting a case. In the eyes of a college student, I see the government allowing citizens to speak freely rather than dealing with violence. Below are a couple of examples of how free speech was neglected and made us Americans vulnerable.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), it defends free speech from controversial groups like racists, arguing that suppressing free speech harms the vulnerable, not the powerful. The Civil Rights Movement was a crucial violation of free speech. It resulted in activists being arrested for protesting segregation and advocating for voting rights. The Free Speech Amendment is vital for defending the rights of underrepresented groups and making sure that the opposition can continue during the turmoil of politics. 

Another act of the government that broke the First Amendment was the unlawful arrests at the protest on Mauna Kea on Hawai'i Island. University of Hawai'i Law Professor Ken Lawson said it best in the Honolulu Civil Beats Article. He describes Governor Ige's tactics with the parking signs as "bogus traffic laws" that will "trample on the First Amendment right of Protectors and others to peacefully assemble and exercise their rights to free speech." The land is owned by the Hawaiians, and we were illegally overthrown, so we, as Hawaiians, were not trespassing but simply exercising our rights and practicing our cultural traditions that our kupuna (grandparents) did when they were growing up. To falsely arrest individuals practicing their rights was just unlawful and a disgrace to the First Amendment and the owners of Hawaiʻi.

Promoting Innovation

Opposing the unlawful acts of the government, the First Amendment grants individuals the ability to think creatively and promotes innovation. When people are free to speak, they introduce new ideas and thoughts that potentially affect the future of the world. It brings people from all over with different ethnic groups to come together and collaborate. Without collaboration, innovation would be restrained, and progress would be limited, slow, and lack cohesiveness.  

In today's society, social media has made a huge impact on innovation through freedom of speech. In the article, "The Golden Era of Free Speech" by Erwin and Alex Chemerinsky, social media has made an impact like no other. With the advent of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok, businesses can increase social media exposure through launching new products, services, and maybe even industries. Free speech on these platforms creates viral trends and technological advancements and a glimpse into creative campaigns.

In conclusion, the First Amendment protects free speech, allowing Americans to challenge the government while also respecting each other as a whole. Although our government can be corrupt at times, there are always ways to work together and find a solution. Social media is just one way that free speech can aid in collaboration and innovation.