Blog Post #3 Thoughts on the Eight Values of Free Expression

Eight Values of Free Expression

• Marketplace of Ideas 

• Participation in Self- Government

• Stable Change

• Individual Self- Fulfillment

• Check on Governmental Power

• Promote Tolerance

• Promote Innovation

• Protect Dissent

 The Eight Values of Free Expression are ways in which we can practice our 1st Amendment right, freedom of speech, and how it benefits us as a society. The 6th value, Promote Tolerance, has resonated with me the most and I find it most evident in these current times. Lee Bollinger promotes The Freedom of Speech and Extremist Speech in America, in his book, The Tolerant Society. Bollinger believes there should be an important emphasis on allowing extreme speech because "It provides a shield for more mainstream political disclosure." He also claims allowing hate speech will cause a more tolerant society and stresses the idea to allow others to speak the way they want in order for us to understand each other more.

 In today's society, social media has taken over causing people to be more mindful of what they post to the world. We have seen countless public figures be ripped to shreds due to a post or comment shared that used language others do not approve. These people face endless consequences for practicing their First Amendment right. Cancel culture has become a prominent part in social media. We see celebrities, companies, and even friends being pushed off the internet and let go of jobs due to the words they have chosen to use. 

 Ethically, it is not okay to use words that can hurt others. On the other side, it is not okay to "cancel" individuals for using for speaking words that are not always agreed with. Promoting tolerance and listening to one another is not a bad thing. Disagreeing with others is how we grow in society. There are so many different opinions out there and we do not all have to share them. It can be difficult to listen to what others that we may find unjust; however, is it right to be mean and use threats and hurtful speech back? Hate speech is not a reason to throw someone in jail or completely tare apart someones life. We are not all the same, but we share the same rights.

 Promoting tolerance can save people their livelihood. Celebrity apology statements are becoming as common as cat videos once were. Chris Pratt, Avengers Star, was deemed canceled in early February of this year and deemed, "Worst Chris in Hollywood". He was "canceled" for posting tweets insinuating his support for Trump and being involved in an anti- LGBTQ church. The hashtag "#RIPCHRIS" started trending on twitter and users began to attack Pratt causing him to stop posting on social media. This silenced his voice. Other celebrities spoke on this including, Robert Downey Jr., and defended Pratt's character. Users were angry at a celebrity for not agreeing with their political beliefs. I do not think this is an offense that should cause others to try and ruin a successful mans career. With tolerance we should be able to appreciate that he has a differing opinion and use it to educate ourselves not silence each other.

 Chris Pratt is not the only celebrity within the past year to be "bullied" by the public for speaking about their views. Even after public apologies our society has not let that be enough for someone who uses hate speech to be forgiven. There does not need to be a federal punishment for hate speech because the public does this already.

 Here is a list of 13 celebrities who have been "canceled" due to practicing their First Amendment right.

 https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanschocket2/celebs-cancelled-in-2020