After learning about the 8 Values of Free Expression, the ones that I find most important are Stable Change, and Protect Dissent. To begin with, these two values are closely related because they both connect to speaking out against the government. “Stable Change” is the idea that if people are allowed to speak their mind freely, they are less likely to be violent. The government can then “better monitor potentially dangerous groups who would otherwise act more clandestinely”, as stated in my notes from class. Similarly, “Protect Dissent” allows people to speak out against the government without penalty. Both of these values serve to improve the government by allowing everyone’s ideas to be heard no matter how unpopular.
I experienced an example of Stable Change in the summer of 2020 during the Black Lives Matter movement. This was a social movement protesting police brutality and violence against black people. People and organizations from a variety of backgrounds demonstrated safely while advocating for policy changes in the United States. These angry citizens were allowed to speak their mind freely using words and signs during marches throughout the country. These demonstrations were often held in public places where the government could monitor their actions without interference. Personally, I participated in a Black Lives Matter protest march that occurred directly on the main street of my hometown. I felt this was a safe, supportive environment for people to express their opinions without being concerned with interference from the government. In fact, local officials, such as our Mayor and high school principal gave speeches at the event, encouraging citizens to continue this movement.
I often notice the theory of Protect Dissent on social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Although social media makes it easier for people to be rude, bullying, and offensive to one another, it also is a platform for citizens to express their disagreement with the government however unpopular it may be. There is a person I follow on Instagram who creates daily posts on their story about their concerns that the government is spying on them. They criticize the government for viewing the movement of Americans, using satellites and street cameras. Even though I disagree with this theory, and it may be unpopular in general, they have every right to express their concerns on social media. Criticisms like this can actually improve our society because they get people to think about theories that they would have not considered if one person did not bring them up.
Free expression is something we take for granted in the United States, but not all countries around the world protect the speech of their citizens. I believe that Stable Change and Protect Dissent are important ways to resolve conflict without violence, while allowing individuals to express their opinions with government affairs. This not only helps educate the public about society's concerns, but enables the government to understand people’s ideas and opinions. This results in a more stable democratic government, which benefits all the people of this country.
