In our recent class, we engaged in a group discussion on the Eight Values of Free Expression in the community. All eight of the values mentioned are extremely prevalent in our society today, but I will be writing on just one of the eight.
The value that I believe is the most important to our society today is Protect Dissent. It is stated that people have a "strongly protected right to disagree with the government — and everyone else." You can even go so far as to say it is your patriotic duty to criticize the government.
Steve Shiffrin, author of the book Dissent, Injustice, and the Meanings of America, claims that we should all encourage dissent, or expressing opinions that disagree with the majority, rather than simply tolerate it because dissent is at the heart of free speech.
Protect Dissent is a very obvious value of free expression that we can see in our country in recent years.
We live in a divided nation. A nation divided all along the political spectrum. From self proclaimed leftists, liberals, conservatives, MAGA, and everything in between. It is easy to find those in the United States using their passionate expression to show their discomfort with our government and legislation they may be attempting to pass.
Engaging in peaceful protests is one of the strongest values I believe in today. In times where I've seen unconstitutional actions from the past three Presidents, the time to stand up for one's own beliefs is a need.
One of the most notable protests I've seen lately are the No Kings Protests around the country. The first protest was held on June 14, 2024. Reasons for these protests have ranged from the management of the Epstein Files, the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Iran War, etc.
As with any protest, I see it as whether someone agrees with the message or not, their ability to gather peacefully and express their opinions is an important part of free expression.
For opposite political beliefs, I've found as though one of the most key figures to expressing his opposition to political figures is our very own President: Donald Trump.
President Trump has been infamously known for attacking key political figures, as well as many who oppose any of his decisions by lashing out on social media.
The President recently took to his platform Truth Social to attack media outlets who are opposing him on his stance for the Iran War. He took to Truth Social, writing: “The people and Media Outlets that keep harping on the fact that we have no ammunition (And they are 100% wrong!), are actually treasonous. They do it because they would rather see the United States LOSE a War that we’re easily WINNING, than see me WIN!”
Regardless of whether the media's claims or Trump's response are correct, this instance stood out to me and exemplified why protecting dissent is important. Journalists and citizens must be able to question the government's statements and policies, particularly during times of conflict.
Through all of this back-and-forth bickering on social media and in the streets, I have been able to connect this to my personal life at High Point. We are all at an age where almost everyone has developed their basic governmental opinions at least, and express them to their peers. While researching and understanding the value of "Protect Dissent," I've learned that it is more important than ever for me to understand its relation in my life, as well as others. It is indeed not only my right, but my necessity as a U.S. citizen to speak my mind without fear of consequences or punishment.
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