Throughout Media, Law, and Literacy we discussed the eight values of free expression. They are market place of ideas, participating in self-government, stable change, individual self-fulfillment, checking on governmental power, promoting tolerance, promoting innovation, and protecting dissent. These values help protect the government and us. It allows to share our thoughts about what the government is doing. These values outline why the first amendment is so powerful to Americans.
Marketplace of Ideas
Out of the eight values of free expression I think the most important one to me is marketplace of ideas. The value first came to be when suggested by John Milton. John was a historian, english poet, and journalist. His beliefs suggested that the opinions should be shown, even the ones that aren't true because the truth always wins. I agree with this idea because I think it is always better to tell the truth, and if you do good things will happen. He also believed that if everyone could speak with freedom then the best ideas would emerge. From doing research a quote I found that I think is a good example of marketplace "The theory is that if the government does not interfere, then shoppers will select the best products to meet their needs". The First Amendment protects our right of religion, press and the right to freedom of speech. However John Miltons ways state that only the truth should be shared and that falsehood should not be tolerated.
Individual Self - Fulfillment
The idea of self fulfillment was introduced by C. Edwin Baker. His idea suggested that people should be able to express themselves in their own creative way. I think that this is very important. As of right now I can see my future and I know what I want it to look like. However if you asked me this in middle school, it would be completely different. Over the years I have changed my interests. While doing this I am able to express myself creatively and freely. This can be related to the world in general today. Living in America there are many different people and cultures. People should be allowed to express themselves through art, music, food, etc. America is such a diverse place and can be looked at as a beautiful thing. As long as the ideas are used in the right way and don't get taken out of context.
The Eight Values of Free Expression help to show the small details of the First Amendment. Marketplace of Ideas and Individual Self - Fulfillment are only two out of the eight ideas that stood out the most to me. I think that they show how our society could live as free as possible while working together. They are put in place to allow people to express themselves for who they are. I also think that sometimes these ideas are taken out of proportion and make it hard for them to actually do what they were made to do.
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