When reading the “Eight Values of Free Expression” I thought all the values were important in their own way. The two that stood out the most to me were the fourth and eighth. The fourth value discussed is Individual Self-Fulfillment. This is about how people should be their own person. Each person has their own identity and should share their own opinions. The eighth value is similar to the fourth. This value, Protect Dissent, is about how people should protect the views with different opinions in the minority. These two values of freedom are very important to me. They stand for how being different is important. It is also important for America as having different opinions is what makes us unlike some countries and these freedoms should be protected.
These two values of expression feel most personal to me. I grew up in a small town where most people are Republicans and most everyone has the same viewpoint on matters. This is where the value of Protect Dissent is important because there were few people that had different viewpoints in my hometown and their views were important to be expressed. For those in the minority, this value works with the fourth value ensuring that people have the freedom to be their own person. There needs to be people who are the minority to say some things are wrong or to help balance the information. Their dissent needs to be protected and they need to feel the freedom as everyone in the majority to be their own person. If everyone agrees on things, then they may not see what is wrong with their opinion or may not see other points of view on the matter. These values of free expression can work hand in hand to make sure that everyone has freedom and make sure they feel free to express whatever they want. Protecting these values of free expression is better for both the individuals and the whole. In my hometown when the dissenting opinions were not protected people did not respect opposing views which was not good for anyone.
Another value that stood out to me is the second one, Participation in Self-Government. This one I do not have a personal connection like the fourth and eighth value. The value is important to America as a whole. An article from the The Policy Circle talks about how when people get involved in our government it helps strengthen our democracy and helps people feel the empowerment of making their voice heard. When people can do something as simple as vote they are making a difference in our government. They are making sure every opinion is heard. That is also allowing them to their voice is heard.
The one I see most in action today is fifth one, Check on Governmental Power. This one is also very important to America as a whole. People need to make sure that those in power situations are not using that power wrongfully. We have the freedom to speak out in situations about what we feel is wrong and we should speak out about these issues. An example from the Committee on Oversight and Accountability talks about how President Biden uses his power to do corrupt international and domestic business schemes. This is where the fifth freedom value of expression allows Americans, we have the ability to make articles and blogs on this information and check the power of the government. As a President he should not use his power to make extra money. This is one of the checks and balances of the government to make sure the President does not get too powerful or use his power in ways that are not in the best interest of the United States.
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