Eight Values of Free Expression

Ever since the declaration of the First Amendment, American society has created a culture in which freedom of speech is protected and encouraged. Without the First Amendment and what it stands for, the United States and its citizens would not be what it is today. A country that allows an exchange of ideas, American identity and a culture that allows for protected communication between its citizens and the government. The First Amendment can be separated into the Eight Values of Free Expression in which highlights why and how the First Amendment creates a knowledgeable and stable society.

Individual Self-Fulfillment 

A theory explained by C. Edwin Baker that resonates the most with me is the Individual Self-Fulfillment one gets from the First Amendment. Individual Self-Fulfillment isn't only about the values and merit of being a part of American society, but the freedom to think, create and choose in said society. Thinking about the history of America, Freedom of Speech has allowed individuals to make significant changes in American government. Important figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Jame's Baldwin, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and many more who constructed America into what it is today all because they had a protected right to turn a dream, a possibility, into a lived reality.

Individual Self-Fulfillment still is and will continue to bring changes to make America into a community full of even more possibilities. In the 21st century it has become a way for individuals to widespread social movements through art, print, and even social media. It has become a foundational concept as it has given communities protection of their rights during times it is most important for political changes or even creative self-expression. Individual Self-Fulfillment will continue to be a pillar in American culture through human dignity and autonomy.

                                                                   Promote Tolerance 

Lee C. Bollinger explores the value of Promote Tolerance that is built within the rights of the First Amendment in which I think is key to a stable community. As a society in America, communities have developed patience and emotional discipline when in situations where conflict arises. When it comes to free speech and press there is bound to be arguments and disagreements between individuals. Yet, as a culture, America has a developed acceptable and nonacceptable behavioral standards. In which people acknowledge and respect other values, culture and opinions. Promoting tolerance strengthens America's ability to collectively coexist and work together while living in a diverse society. It is inevitable to not encounter others' views and opinions in which some may disagree with, which is why it is important to know the value of learning to disagree respectfully.

Bollinger's analysis explains how this tolerance strengths society and builds a stable community. The right and protection of free speech has allowed individuals to full express themselves, their ideas, their culture and shape a country that is built on significant social movements. Promote Tolerance is woven into the system of the First Amendment in which makes individuals endure and tolerate conflict and learn how to live in harmony. 

The Eight Values of Free Expression emphasizes the importance of free speech in American society and how it has shaped the government and culture citizens live in today. Without the First Amendment, The United States would not be a democracy and would be significantly different. America's history was written because of the rights and protections the First Amendment gives its citizens.