Eight Values of Free Expression

 The First Amendment of the United States Constitution is a crucial cornerstone of American democracy that guarantees the freedom of speech, religion, the press, assembly, and petition. The amendment's emergence and evolution are a testament to the country's commitment to protecting fundamental human rights and freedoms.

The First Amendment was added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791, as part of the Bill of Rights, which was ratified by the states. The Bill of Rights was a response to concerns about the power of the federal government and its potential to infringe upon individual liberties. The First Amendment's provisions were designed to prevent the government from suppressing the expression of ideas and opinions that may be unpopular or controversial. 

The First Amendment's evolution was shaped by various historical events and court cases that expanded its scope and interpretation. One of the earliest and most significant cases was the 1919 Supreme Court decision in Schenck v. United States, which established the "clear and present danger" test. This test stated that the government could only restrict speech if it presented a clear and present danger to national security or public safety. The decision set the standard for free speech protection for decades to come.

In the mid-twentieth century, the First Amendment was further expanded to include protection for political speech and expression. In 1964, the Supreme Court ruled in New York Times Co. v. Sullivan that public figures could not sue for libel unless they could prove that the publisher acted with actual malice. This ruling protected the press's ability to report on matters of public interest without fear of reprisal.

The First Amendment's protections have also been extended to cover symbolic speech, such as protests and demonstrations, as seen in the landmark 1969 case Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District. In that case, the Supreme Court ruled that students had the right to wear black armbands to protest the Vietnam War.

Over time, the First Amendment has also been used to protect religious freedoms, such as the right to practice one's religion without interference from the government. The 1947 Supreme Court case Everson v. Board of Education established the "wall of separation" between church and state, stating that the government could not promote or endorse any particular religion.

The First Amendment's emergence and evolution are a testament to the country's commitment to protecting individual liberties and freedoms. The amendment has been shaped by historical events and court cases that have expanded its scope and interpretation, and it continues to be a crucial pillar of American democracy.

The Eight Values of Free Expression are as follows: Marketplace of Ideas, Participation in Self-Government, Stable Change, Individual Self-Fulfillment, Check on Governmental Power, Promote Tolerance, Promote Innovation, and Protect Dissent. All 8 of these have significance and impact, personally and globally. 

I think now as a “woke” society, we see a lot more people expressing themselves with innovation and self-fulfillment. People are much more comfortable expressing themselves, and don’t feel as though they have to conform to social normalities. However, I feel as though society DOES NOT promote tolerance. More and more people are becoming unbearable with their beliefs and opinions, and refuse to hear or see anything else. The belief that promoting tolerance “teaches us to become more tolerant in other aspects of life”, however, nowadays if you disagree with someone it ends in a violent frenzy.

I believe checking governmental power is the most important value to society as a whole. We should be able to know about abuse of power in office, and have a voice on these issues without being silenced about it. The value of free expression that resonates most with me is individual self-fulfillment. I think it’s important to be able to express yourself, and I’m glad I have the ability to do so. 

In today's digital age, social media has become a platform for individuals to express themselves, showcase their talents, and pursue their dreams, making it a ground for individual self-fulfillment.

One way in which individual self-fulfillment presents itself on social media is through personal branding. Individuals use social media to create a personal brand that reflects their values, interests, and talents. They curate their online presence by sharing posts and content that align with their personal brand, building a community around themselves, and showcasing their unique qualities. This value of expression and the first amendment allows these people to do this and enjoy themselves freely.

Another way in which individual self-fulfillment manifests itself on social media is through the pursuit of creative endeavors. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube provide a space for individuals to share their creative works and receive feedback from others. By sharing their work and receiving validation from others, individuals can gain confidence and motivation to continue pursuing their creative passions, which can lead to individual self-fulfillment.

In conclusion, these Eight Values of Expression have an impact on not only me personally, but to every other individual who is protected under the first amendment.