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.