The Eight Freedoms of Speech

The First Amendment safeguards eight core Freedoms of Expression which include: 1. Marketplace of Ideas, 2. Participation in Self-Government, 3. Stable Change, 4. Individual Self-Fulfillment, 5. Check on Governmental Power, 6. Promote Tolerance, 7. Promote Innovation, and 8. Protect Dissent. Together, these freedoms ensure citizens can express themselves within certain boundaries. Among them, “Promote Tolerance” and “Stable Change” particularly stand out to me because they complement each other and play an essential role in maintaining a cohesive society. It is important for American Citizens to recognize and have the ability to identify and define these freedoms because understanding these freedoms enables Americans to appreciate the values that uphold democracy, individual rights, and social progress. When people can identify and define these freedoms, they’re better equipped to defend their rights and contribute to a society where everyone has a voice.

“Promote Tolerance” centers on cultivating respect for diverse perspectives and understanding the impact of words on others. From a young age, we ideally learn to recognize what is appropriate to say and how to communicate constructively. An example that highlights this freedom’s importance is the 2021 incident involving American radio host Joe Rogan. Rogan faced intense backlash after making comments about COVID-19 and vaccines on his podcast, sparking national debate and concern. His remarks prompted discussions about responsible speech and the spread of misinformation. In response, Rogan apologized and acknowledged the harm his statements might have caused, stating, “I’m not a doctor; I’m not a respected source of information.” This situation underscores how tolerance and responsibility in communication are essential, especially for influential figures whose words can significantly impact public opinion.

The other freedom I find essential is “Check on Governmental Power.” This is important because our entire system of government is monitored by a system of checks and balances, this is upheld by the Constitution. This freedom lets citizens and the media openly question and criticize the government, helping to prevent misuse of power. By using this right, Americans hold leaders accountable, making sure they act in the public’s best interest. When people understand and use this freedom, it keeps the government transparent and responsible to everyone. Without checks on government power, the government could simply become too strong and overthrow America's democracy. I appreciate the fact

In summary, understanding the eight Freedoms of Expression is essential for Americans because each one supports a core part of democratic life. From promoting open debate to encouraging tolerance and innovation, these freedoms empower individuals and protect society from the abuse of power. Recognizing and valuing each freedom enables citizens to exercise their rights thoughtfully and responsibly, contributing to a more just, open, and resilient society. Together, these freedoms form the backbone of our democracy, ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to be heard and respected. I was excited to learn about this topic and apply it to my daily life with things such as the Joe Rogan scandal. It is interesting to see how often we exercise our rights and take advantage of what we were set up with and we do not even realize it. 

The Founding Era

     

Before watching the videos, I realized I had only a basic understanding of the Supreme Court. Growing up and even now, I haven’t been particularly drawn to politics or presidential matters. Slowly, as the semester has progressed, my knowledge has grown due to being enrolled in an American Politics course and now Media Law and Literacy. It is truly shocking to me the lack of preparation the public k-12 schools in my district supplied its students with on a subject that serves as the foundation of this country.

    The Supreme Court, composed of nine justices, serves as the final authority for court cases in the U.S. For example, in Brown v. Board of Education, the Court ultimately decided on a case that challenged racial segregation in public schools, ruling in 1954 that such segregation was unconstitutional. This decision shifted the issue from being state-regulated to a federal mandate, enforcing desegregation nationwide. The Supreme Court thus has the power to influence major aspects of American life, as seen in cases like Brown v. Board, which reshaped educational and social policies across the country. It’s fascinating that the Court continues to set and uphold precedents from landmark cases, many of which were established over two centuries ago.  It is interesting to see cases that have been applied during my whole life were overseen by the Supreme Court, which makes the world the way that it is today.

    I find it extremely important to obtain a basic understanding of the government and how it directly affects us as citizens. Understanding how the Supreme Court works is crucial because it helps us grasp the role it plays in shaping U.S. laws and protecting citizens’ rights. Below, I have attached a picture of the current Supreme Court. These nine men and women work to serve our country and protect and abide by the rights we deserve. 

The Supreme Court

Top 5 Sources

 My Top Five News Sources

    Social media has been integrated into my daily life more and more as the technology progresses. Growing up with technology, my generation's upbringing when it comes to hearing news looks a little different than generations past. Starting as early as fourth grade, I remember setting up my first Instagram account, and now I have countless apps that I scroll tirelessly through their algorithms. To be transparent, I don't tend to go on my phone to look at the news, I would love to work on my lack of self-educating as I find it important to know what is happening in the world.

5. CNN10

    I placed CNN10 last on my list as it is a great place to find news, I don't use it as much as I did in K-12. I remember my homeroom teachers always putting it on once a week. I really like it because there is a lot of useful information packed in ten minutes. Sometimes, I find news difficult to understand but CNN10 words it in a way that is easy to grasp and follow along with.

4. ESPN

    Sports have always been a big part of my life. From the age of five and to the present day I have participated in a sport. I think ESPN is a great source for sports news because it covers a wide range of sports and always provides in-depth analysis. Whenever I want to catch up on the latest games or get expert opinions, ESPN is my go-to. They offer real-time updates, interviews with athletes, and coverage you can trust. Plus, I love how easy it is to stay informed through their TV network, website, and app.

3. Family and Friends

    I love hearing news from family and friends. I surround myself with people that I trust, and my beliefs align with, so hearing news from people I personally know is comforting and easy to believe. Plus, I trust their opinions and insights since they know me well, and it’s always nice to hear different perspectives on things happening in the world. It’s also a great way to stay connected and hear about what’s going on in their lives, making the news feel more meaningful and close to home.

2. Instagram

    I scroll on Instagram daily. I can follow news outlets, influencers, and even friends who share stories, updates, or opinions on current events. Instagram is updating content constantly, which makes it easy to interact with and share with others. Due to this, I find it easy to get news from Instagram. However, I do believe that Instagram does spread false news and it gets around quickly, so I always try and keep an eye out for how reliable the source posting it is.

1. Tik Tok 

    Arguably the most controversial of all news sources, TikTok comes in at my number one spot. It is the most engaging and quick refreshing social media, in my opinion, on everyone's smartphones. Creators break down complex topics into short, easy-to-understand videos, making them fun and informative at the same time. Whether it's current events, trends, or niche topics, I can discover different perspectives and learn something new in just a few minutes. The algorithm responds to what I interact with, which brings more videos that I understand. I also understand that TikTok can be highly unreliable, but I am mindful and skeptical of all news I hear on this platform.