The United States of America was founded upon a series of ideals that effectively secured the right of each individual to set forth their personal opinions on any platform of their choosing whether it be word, mouth or otherwise. By no means would their words be binding to anyone other than themselves, but nonetheless they would be heard.
Language is structurally complex and definitive of an individual’s nature. It should not be be squandered or neglected. However, there is a point at which speech transcends into something far more sinister than simple language. When acts of violence become prevalent as a result of someone’s personal ideals conveyed by their own tongue, that is the moment when an individual’s freedom of speech comes into question.
Within the school yards of small towns, the backyards of suburban households, the alleyways of the crumbling inner city blocks and in the very fabric of this nation, words have always been haphazardly strung together in manners that assault and propagate.
As a people, citizens of the U.S. have come to forge an identity for themselves, one which screamed the phrase “give me liberty or give me death” while still emphasizing the necessity of structure and maturity when it comes to delicate matters. In some regards freedom of speech is something which should be cherished and nurtured in a manner that brings forth its greatest assets.
“I think everyone has the fundamental right of freedom of speech,” senior Jacob Wolk said. “When it comes to the NFL, the players are exercising the right that the Founders put in the Constitution. There are many countries around the world where people are oppressed and don’t have freedoms like speech, and we’re very lucky to live in a country that gives us those guarantees.”
In a sense, the lives of the American populace are secured by the fact that they themselves are given certain liberties that are relatively unique to our nation. With the creation of this nation’s Bill of Rights came a mentality and lawful institution which provided these civil liberties, thereby licensing freedom of speech.
On countless occasions, this inalienable right has been utilized for the betterment of humanity, whether that be through Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address,” King’s “I Have a Dream” speech or the countless speeches performed by the pantheon of political and cultural leaders who have come forth to advocate for the betterment of a nation that has stood unparalleled for quite some time.
However, we have seen this same tool be transformed into a weapon with significantly adverse affects to its predecessor. In recent memory, we have seen men and woman shaken by the incidents in Charlottesville, an event which was supposedly a means for white supremacists to express their personal right to freedom of speech. Once again on Saturday October 8, some of these individuals returned to Emancipation Park in order to demonstrate support for Confederate statues. As previously stated, these individuals have the right to exercise freedom of speech, however, these individuals are encroaching upon the rights of others by participating in this particular form of polarization and partisanship. They neglect to respect the liberties afforded by others.
“I believe freedom of speech has definitely impacted events we’ve seen in recent history,” junior Angeline Perez said. “The white supremacist marches that took place in Charlottesville, for instance, could’ve never occurred in a place like North Korea due to North Korea’s extreme restrictions of freedom of speech.”
U.S. citizens are familiar with the combined effects of polarization and freedom of speech when utilized in a fashion which targets and or seeks to destroy the validity of others. This can be seen in several institutions which childhood fantasy would have most believe are devoid of these matters. This can be seen in the White House when unjust or corrupt men are defended and allowed to work to supposedly better the nation. We see this as individuals
“However, freedom of speech is crucial in order for a society to advance and grow,” Perez went on to say. “It is dehumanizing to take away a person’s freedom of expression.”
The pen is mightier than the sword – perhaps that statement is too restrictive, too limited. The word is mightier than the pen for it moves in rhythmic motions which call for action, violent or otherwise.
“Freedom of speech doesn’t enable individuals to attack one another–claiming to exercise your rights doesn’t mean you can try to put down someone or their rights,” junior Faezah Rahman said. “Your rights aren’t above their rights. Especially if it becomes physical. At that point, you aren’t exercising freedom of speech, you’re just assaulting someone.”
Freedom of speech is by far the most commonly used inalienable rights bestowed to U.S. citizens as it has the capability to build and demolish empires if used correctly or improperly. There are certain boundaries to this particular liberty, and it should be handled delicately as a result of this fact.
Photo by Ben Milgram
