Blog Entry #1: Free Expression
What is the societal value of a concept like free expression? Is it a purely public or more personal value?
I would argue that the biggest value of a concept like free expression in society is its ability to foster democracy (among a few other benefits I'll discuss later). The First Amendment confirms this by guaranteeing (as long as the Supreme Court upholds the interpretations) the right to freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petitioning of the government. The Declaration of Independence further solidifies this in the right of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"--all of which are "unalienable."
Other societal values of free expression include innovation and the exchange of ideas ("marketplace of ideas"; both of which progress society. Innovation progresses society (economically and socially) by creating new and efficient technologies, solving problems, and increasing quality of life. A "marketplace of ideas" builds into innovation, by the idea that "the best ideas will rise to the top and be implemented, to the benefit of all of society" through open discourse from all people."
All of the above values are public values, and also carry significant personal value. The ability to practice a religion of choice; express opinions and different viewpoints (being able to share and to be heard); share news; demonstrate; and speak with the government directly all support the freedom of "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"--which builds a healthy sense of self, autonomy, and sense of self. Every person has societal value, so they can also know that they have personal value; their personal value is also societal value.
How does free expression contribute to identity, whether that is public or personal identity?
Free expression contributes to public identity through its creation or support of culture and honesty of governments.
Free expression creates and supports culture by allowing a multitude of voices to speak, agree, and disagree with one another, which fosters community. Without culture, public identity would shrivel and basically cease to exist. Society is the made of and represent the people who share beliefs and practices, culture.
From a government standpoint, Michel Foucault has a set of writings on parrhesia, "boldness or freedom of speech." On a government level, Foucault describes a passage from The Bacchae, in which the messenger is afraid to share the news with the king, as he will face the king's wrath if it is poor news. If the king is unable to handle the truth, than he will be a poor king; a government that does not allow free speech is not a good government. Examples of freedom of expression surrounding the government include the right to not rise during the pledge of allegiance per West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette; and the right to burn the American flag per Texas v. Johnson. A dishonest government would find these acts "unpatriotic" and likely make them illegal; when in reality, that would just be nationalism. Not patriotism.
In terms of personal identity, I did discuss some of the contributions of free expression above. Additionally, Foucault supports the use of free expression (parrhesia) in personal identity as a way of two people communicating and coming to self realization. One cannot be self actualized or realized if they cannot be questioned by others. Free expression also supports personal cultural identity through creating spaces for people to express their culture, like in video games or films; further linking them into society and their communities.
Is free expression worth protecting?
Free expression is absolutely worth protecting, for every reason I discussed above--democracy, happiness, honesty, innovation, cultural identity, and self-actualization. If I didn't have the right to free expression, I don't know who I would be. If I didn't know who I was, I don't think I'd be able to help anyone, let alone myself. Society would be as stagnant as the people in it.