Values of Free Expressions

Expression is the key to society.

The value of free expression I resonate with the most is #4, Individual self fulfillment. I believe freedom of speech and freedom of expression is incredibly important for a society to grow and thrive. It’s important for a society to have different types of people with their own ideas and sense of self actualization. A great example of this is North Korea. While they’re no longer a communist state they have many restrictions on their daily life. Restrictions on information, movement, and their human rights. You can even get the death sentence for watching banned content. Could you imagine dying over watching The Interview? 

Unauthorized travel is illegal, religious independence is highly suppressed, and any criticism of the government is heavily punished. There is no freedom of speech, all art, music, media, and literature must promote their government, and they’re always under heavy surveillance. While they are not a collapsing society, North Korea faces large demographic, economic, and health crises that put a great threat on their future as a country. North Korean leaders have states publicly that their population drop is a danger to the country. 

Moving to the brighter side, The United States of America. Although, recent events of surveillance has posed a scare across Americans. It is still a free country where people are not afraid to express themselves and stand up against the government. Our government can only get its power from those who are governed. America focuses on personal autonomy and unique potential rather than everyone following a strict checklist punishable by law. Activism means something here. Protests have been proven to work against the government, slavery, civil rights, and giving women the right to vote are all prime examples. Just recently the No Kings Protests helped alter national political discourse and forced administration to make important policy changes. That’s what you get when you let the people express themselves. Changes happen towards a better society. 

This also ties into speech theory #7, promoting innovation. Creativity with yourself means creativity within your nation. When people are encouraged to express themselves their creativity translates to societal progress, it fuels national growth. Self fulfillment cannot exist in isolation because it directly connects to the principles of free expression. When everyone is forced to act the same way and think the same things under state control, community disappears, relationships weaken, and personal thoughts are completely obliterated under the mandatory compliance. 

Without the freedom to think, speak, and express yourself authentically, the world becomes dreary. An outfit as simple as, blue jeans and a graphic T-shirt is prohibited in North Korea. I know I couldn’t live somewhere I can’t wear my favorite Spiderman T-shirt, or dye my hair pink in the summers. Individualism is the key to happiness.