Eight Values of Free Expression

When considering different speech theories, it is imperative to consider how these interact with the current needs of our society and the current operations of free speech. In times like War or COVID, free speech becomes even more of a necessity because without it, we do not have the proper avenues to address the government, give authority to be governed, or participate in checks and balances, which are all pillars of our first amendment and system of government. 

After learning about our right to free expression and the immense opportunities that it brings, I now recognize that it is important to evaluate how our society can use these when engaging in speech, debate, and overall discourse about the government or interactions between people. Being able to speak freely has shaped how our country has operated for over 200 years, and will continue to do so throughout the future. Through the speech theories that were presented in class, it was interesting to see how free speech can be identified through various theories when used in everyday life. 

United States' Congress

One theory that stuck out to me was participation and self government by Alexander Meiklejohn. This idea centers around the social contract theory, the idea that the government only has authority if the people it governs give their consent to be governed. We cannot do this if we do not have the ability to speak out freely and share our thoughts, concerns, and questions with the government and those in charge of leading us. Free speech is a pinnacle part of our constitution, and without it, America is not the same American that we all know today. 

The idea of free speech is necessitated by the government’s transparency to the people it is governing. If there are presidential debates or new policies being placed into government, then it is the responsibility of the government to inform the people so that they are educated when they go into voting scenarios or conversation. Without being aware of the issues, then they cannot accurately vote and determine the direction that they wish the country to go in, leading to the lack of participation in government and making our country into less of a democracy than it should be.

Through this, being fully informed and educated allows people to participate in another theory of free speech, the idea of promoting innovation by Jack Balkin. When people are educated in their understanding of government and how they can interact with people, they are more willing to create conversations about how we can improve the government. People who are willing to speak out against the government and share their true thoughts are often more willing to share their ideas for how to fix it as well, which then leads to a more productive society that is ready to change how their government works for the betterment of all people. 

Free speech is so important to our society because it allows America to truly be the land of the free, so that we are free to share our ideas and change our government for the better. Through our ability to participate in government and then promote innovation, this allows us to stand on the American principles that our country was founded on.