Blog 3: Eight Values of Free Expression Reflection

The United States is a country built off freedom. The most important legal document starts off with stating that everyone in this country has the right to freely speak even if it goes against those most powerful in the country. It protects the thoughts and words of the people as long as it doesn't promote or act on violence. This being said, one of the eight values of free expression that stands out to me most is the fourth value which discusses individual self fulfillment. It allows people to ensure they are themselves to the fullest and are able to find themselves. This value focuses on the aspect of free speech in which it is an aspect of self dignity. 

This specific theory, also known as Self-Actualization or the theory of individual self fulfillment, was developed by Law Professor, C. Edwin Baker. The Supreme Court often uses this theory to influence and back up their theories. According to the Free Speech Center, C. Edwin Baker developed this theory that he called the "Liberty model" as an alternative to the model of the Marketplace of ideas. He felt strongly about the fact that the first amendment or at least in this aspect regarded self expression. He believed that the first amendment was protected because of how much it was valued to each individual rather than a means to achieve a collective good.

U.S. Department of State. “Three Cases That Show What Free Speech Means.” 
ShareAmerica, 13 Feb. 2023,
 https://archive-share.america.gov/three-cases-that-show-what-free-speech-means/.

As someone who is currently trying to navigate adulthood while attempting to balance social pressures, academics, and future plans, this aspect of the amendment is important to me. Freedom of expression is especially important during college as it is a time where most people are trying to figure out their individuality as it is their first time on their own away from their parents. It is important that people are able to express themselves and that the ability to express oneself is protected by this amendment. People are learning what beliefs they identify with independently from their families. 

Another value of the first amendment that resonates with me is the eighth value. This value is about promoting innovation. I find this very important as America is seen as a very innovative country and constantly in competition to become the most innovative. This value of the first amendment emphasizes that a country in which freedom of speech is protected has more encouragement and success in regards to innovations. The people of a country like this are more focused on finding new ways of fulfillment that others may not have thought of. They are more ambitious and constantly want to get new ideas out there. 

Chuck, Elizabeth. “Curfew Takes Effect in Charlotte After
Hours of Peaceful Protests.” NBC News, 23 Sept. 2016, 
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/curfew-
takes-effect-charlotte-after-hours-peaceful-protests-n653046. 

The United States was built off of the fact that people wanted to have the right to correct what they felt was wrong or unfair with the state of their nation. Without Freedom of expression, the United States, let alone, the world, would not be as evolved as it is today. Evolution and change only comes from people saying something and making others think. Without controversy or differences of opinions being able to be discussed, the world would just live in constant fear and everyone would be living with the feeling of "walking on eggshells". Controversy makes people think and leads to change in both big or small forms. Change does not come without revoking feelings of discomfort. This idea was best stated in this article by Shelby Shepherd at Western Washington University. The United States can only keep the title of being one of the most evolved countries because of its first amendment. All people in America hold the right to make a change and to make others think.