Eight Values of Free Expression: Stable Change

The First amendment states that, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." When it comes to the constitution it is the first amendment that everyone uses the most on a daily basis whether they know it or not. Many have their own definitions and opinions on free speech. And the Eight Value of Free Expression helps us explain the different opinions that those may have. 

When it comes to the Eight Values of Free Expression, there are many that stand out to me either based off past experiences or they are seen in action in today's society. The one that stands out to me the most though is Stable Change. 

I really like this value because I think that it is important that people are able to speak their minds no matter what the topic is about. If you are mad about a decision made by our U.S. government then it is okay to talk bad about it and let your opinion be heard. I think that it is great that it is possible to talk bad about the government and not have to worry about repercussions. I also think that it truly saves us as a country and as a society from the exposure of dangerous riots and extreme violence. 

This value pops out to me the most because this year is an election year here in the United States. Americans have the chance to exercise their right to vote for whichever presidential candidate they want. When an Election year rolls around we see a bunch of people talking positive about their candidate and negative about the opposing presidential candidate. 

Even though we see a lot of things being said on the internet from many different people. We also see big names from the world's biggest influencers, public figures, athletes, singers and others publicly endorse one or the other candidates. With Stable Change it makes it possible for these big names to express their opinions and not have to worry about what the government may say or do, and if their job is jeopardized by giving their opinion. They also don't have to worry about causing a riot literally and figuratively by sharing their views.

I think it is actually nice that celebrity's voice their opinions on topics like politics because it can help get people who may not be interested in a certain topic interested in it. We have seen this with the help from Taylor Swift. It was shown after Taylor posted a post endorsing Kamala Harris, this lead to the next day 400,000 users voting. Swift is able to make a voice for all Americans to vote even if you don't agree with her. You then have Cody Johnson on the opposite side of the aisle. Shortly after the attempted assassination of President Trump in NJ he is able to go out on stage and open his concerts talking about how it is "absolutely disgusting" that someone though that those actions would solve a problem in our country. He then continues to speak about the importance of voting and that it is okay to disagree. He tells the crowd, "You want to solve a problem in this country, come Election Day go vote".

I think with the Trump attempted assassination we saw as a country a preview to the type of actions that would be taking place if we were not able to disagree and openly talk about our opinions about the government and the people running our country. 

I believe in today's society it has become such a divide when it comes to politics. It frustrates me as an individual because we live in a country where we are allowed to disagree but others try to make it a reason for division or to cause harm on others.  Instead we are able to vent and be angry and it is allowed to be by the government because of stable change. I am thankful we have the constitution still today, because without it protecting us and giving us the rights and protection that it does. I don't know what our world would look like.