3. Eight Values of Free Expression

The idea of individual self-fulfillment truly resonates with me, as it taps into what it means to be human. Being able to follow our interests and dreams is what makes life fun. When we protect free speech, people are able to express themselves, explore their beliefs and values, and overall be individuals. Without the ability to explore and create to our liking, our lives become monotonous. Individuality is so important to culture. Countries with limited freedoms like North Korea come off as sterile, and there is something almost unatural about the lack of personality. We constantly see unhappy people fleeing countries like North Korea in hopes of exploring their individual interests with no restraint. 

The most important act to me is the watchdog rule. The watchdog rule allows citizens to uncover the abuses of their government and hold it accountable. Citizens need to be aware of corruption and injustice within their government in order to make informed decisions. The United States prides itself for giving the people power, but we are powerless if we are unaware. Watergate exposed misconduct in the United States government, leading to public outrage and Richard Nixon's resignation. If the press could not investigate or report on these crimes, the American public would have been in the dark and powerless. Free speech is the core of democracy; without free speech, we risk falling into tyranny and oppression.

The most personal of the eight values to me is promoting innovation. Societies where citizens can express themselves freely are full of creativity. Free expression leads to intellectual, creative, and dynamic societies, everything that makes life fun. Free speech allows people to challenge conventional thoughts without fear of censorship, leading to progress. Throughout history, we have seen movements like the Second Great Awakening bring on new ideas and, with that, positive change. Women's rights, anti slavery, and public schools were all movements at the time, made possible by free speech. Industrialization also came to America through free expression. The ability to add on to technology and expirement with new technology has allowed us to make life easier and more interesting.

Lastly, the importance of promoting tolerance is present today and has been amplified in recent years. Fostering an environment where controversial or even difficult topics can be aired is essential for building tolerance. Such exposure enables us to engage with complex ideas, confront harmful viewpoints, and create inclusive dialogue within our communities. This openness is crucial for fostering understanding and respect among diverse groups. In recent years, the divide within the US has been strong, and now, more than ever, we need to practice tolerance. 

In the end, embracing free expression enriches our individual lives and strengthens our societies', empowering us all to thrive. We must celebrate and protect this invaluable right, a cornerstone of human dignity, innovation, and diversity.