Speech is defined as the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words (Merriam Webster Dictionary). However, in the United States, speech takes on a different meaning. Since December 15, 1791 (Wikipedia: The First Amendment), citizens of the United States have been allowed to speak, read, and write their individual opinions freely. In fact, the United States values and protects the freedom of speech more than any other country worldwide. In the history of the United States, there have been countless examples in which the opinions concerning free speech differ. In fact, in several cases, the disputes were taken to the supreme court level. Examples of this include West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette in which a student exercised
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Current events and the media’s take on them encourage individuals to think a certain way. Very few are praising ideas that have a different opinion from that of the United States media and government. Ideas that may be considered to be “outside of the box,” are becoming a rarity. This may explain Donald Trump’s increasing popularity. Mr. Trump is one individual that does not shy away from speaking his opinion.
Many would argue that free speech should be limited in order to decrease conflict. In Censored In America, John Stossel expands on this idea when discussing a recent comic contest. The winner of the contest had drawn a photo of a muslim who was angry that he was being drawn. This comic was shown on several newscasts, but banned from others. One could consider this to be a restriction on free speech because of societies expectations.
One may wonder when this school of thought began. In my opinion, both school systems and teachers are keeping young students from experiences that may impact their opinions in the future. For example, teachers refuse to show movies that include vivid scenes of war and violence in order to shield us from disturbing thoughts. Personally, watching movies that depict scenes from war have given me a new perspective on what it means to be
Current events and the media’s take on them encourage individuals to think a certain way. Very few are praising ideas that have a different opinion from that of the United States media and government. Ideas that may be considered to be “outside of the box,” are becoming a rarity. This may explain Donald Trump’s increasing popularity. Mr. Trump is one individual that does not shy away from speaking his opinion.
Many would argue that free speech should be limited in order to decrease conflict. In Censored In America, John Stossel expands on this idea when discussing a recent comic contest. The winner of the contest had drawn a photo of a muslim who was angry that he was being drawn. This comic was shown on several newscasts, but banned from others. One could consider this to be a restriction on free speech because of societies expectations.
One may wonder when this school of thought began. In my opinion, both school systems and teachers are keeping young students from experiences that may impact their opinions in the future. For example, teachers refuse to show movies that include vivid scenes of war and violence in order to shield us from disturbing thoughts. Personally, watching movies that depict scenes from war have given me a new perspective on what it means to be