Blog #2: Key Post - Eight Values of Free Expression

The First Amendment and Free Expression

The First Amendment protects individuals right to pure speech and encourages individuals to participate in self-government. The Eight Values of Free Expression explore how individuals can use their First Amendment rights to express personal views, values, and opinions. Promote tolerance, number six, and promote innovation, number seven, resonated with my values because in the society we are living in today, individuals perspectives are widespread and creativity is heavily valued. 

As citizens of the United States, we all have our own sets of beliefs and values that emphasize the differences each individual has. I believe in the importance of expressing ourselves as creative individuals who are free to explore topics and establish our own perspective. 

Promote Tolerance

Tolerance does not mean that we have to agree with everything other individuals believe, but we must understand and acknowledge that everyone has a Constitutional right to say and believe what they want. In our society, I recognize that individuals often want to silence those who express their strong values that may be controversial. While I may not agree with many individuals perspectives, I argue that nobody should be silenced. 

Lee C. Bollinger, an attorney, educator, and former president of Columbia University, wrote both The Tolerant Society: Freedom of Speech and Extremist Speech and In Search of an Open Mind to express his views on tolerance and the First Amendment. Bollinger recognizes that humans have a natural instinct to be intolerant towards people who have opposing views by trying to silence them. 

In his Bollinger's most recent book, In Search of an Open Mind (2024), he encourages people to have an open mind by suspending their beliefs to build self-control and tolerate others beliefs. 

I am enlightened by Bollinger's perspective because the concept of having an open mind, especially with politics, allows individuals to expand their knowledge on other beliefs outside of their own and have a more diverse mindset. In my life, I have found that when I actively listen to others express their beliefs without judging them, I am able to reflect on and understand where they are coming from rather than shutting them down or arguing with them. 

If individuals learn the importance of tolerance and having an open mind, we as a society can learn the importance of the First Amendment and how understanding diverse beliefs can unite us. Ultimately, there is unity through tolerance. 

Promote Innovation

Living in the United States, where the First Amendment allows  people to freely express new ideas and explore unique areas of research, encourages us to be more innovative. I am beyond grateful to live in a country where all citizens have creative freedom to help promote innovation. 

Over the past few years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has developed immensely in the United States, which has transformed society. In many instances, AI has many risks that impact American citizen's ability to be innovative. 

The Daily Economy addresses how President Trump believes there need to be federal regulations for AI, ensuring uniformity across all states. This article also recognizes that AI is out of our control as citizens and we have to learn to live and grow with AI. I agree with this article because I trust that AI is not going anywhere, and if we can learn how to use AI effectively and properly, than we can become more innovative.

We must not fear artificial intelligence. Instead, we should have confidence and trust in our First Amendment rights that give us the ability to be innovative.

Conclusion

We must protect our First Amendment right in the United States by promoting tolerance and innovation. Promoting tolerance allows individuals to approach interpersonal conversations, meetings, social media posts, and classes with an open mind by listening and understanding to what others have to say without silencing them. Promoting innovation encourages citizens to start creating and developing ideas beyond AI. We should all be grateful for the ability we have to promote the First Amendment using the Eight Values of Free Expression.