Eight Values of Free Expression
Whether it be what we wear, what we say, or even what we post on social media, we are constantly expressing ourselves through speech. The freedoms given to us from the First Amendment also consists of eight values of free expression. These eight values are individualized to provide their own protections, but work in conjunction with each other to create an environment of free speech and expression to every citizen. The eight values consist of marketplace of ideas, participation in self- government, stable change, individual self-fulfillment, check on governmental power, promote tolerance, promote innovation, and protect dissent.
Marketplace of Ideas is the first value, also known as the Discovery of Truth, and this value ensures that the people can receive all information: true or false, because the truth will always win out.
Participation in Self-Government is the second value and it encourages election candidates to communicate, for example in debates; then voters can make wise decisions during election time and understand the candidates stances on important information.
Stable Change is the third value and known as "Safety Valve", this value recognizes that citizens who are allowed to vent or speak their minds on issues are more less likely to resort to violence; so this value promotes freedom of speech.
Individual Self-Fulfillment is the fourth value that furthers free speech in a way that enables individuals to express themselves freely and create their own identity.
Check on Governmental Power is the fifth value that is part of the checks and balance system in order to keep the government from abusing power.
Promote tolerance is the sixth value and it teaches us to become a more tolerant society because all types of speech, including hate speech, are protected by the government which then allows us to spread norms on what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.
Promote Innovation is the seventh value and this value protects and promotes a community in which the people can actively fulfill themselves in a unique way to create an interesting society.
Protect Dissent is the eighth value that protects minority views and protects your right to disagree with the government even if it is unpopular.
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