The 8 Values of Expression

Stable Change, a value created by Benedict Spinoza and a key part of the 8 Values of Expression, brings forth a very important idea. This idea brings up the issue of hate speech and the way in which it is protected by the government. Why or why not is this an issue? Spinoza believes, "It has been suggested that a society in which angry and alienated citizens are allowed to speak their mind, or "vent," will be more stable, as people will be less likely to resort in violence." This is something that I completely agree with and feel is very prevalent in our current society. Currently, they're our huge debates going on around the country, whether it is about covid-19, war, sexuality, etc. we are all allowed to express truly how we feel whether it may be hateful or not. This is what gets conversation going, helps up solve problems, come up with new ideas, and overall evolves as a civilization. A very prevalent example of this is a protest that occurred just this week. The protest took place in front of the capital where over 35,000 people marched against vaccine mandates. Whether people would like to consider this hate speech or not, is goes against what a large group of people in this country believe and sparks conversation. A conversation that will helps us communicate, plan, and move on. 

Promote Innovation, another value, apart of the 8 values of expression, that really catches my idea. This value was created by Jack Balkin  and brings forth the idea that a community and space where free speech is valued and protected, is much more likely to be interesting, and creative and energetic. One thing that our country is none for and that makes us so special is our ideas. We express ourselves like on one else and discover so many new creative ways of thinking and teaching and expressing ourselves. We show this within our companies, movies, social media presence, etc. This is discussed in great detail with an article by Shrutin Shetty called, Why are Americans consistently more Innovative and Entrepreneurial? Without our first amendment rights, we would never be where we are today. With the ability to express ourselves, talked about our ideas, create conversation, and even assemble together, we are able to bring forth so many new ideas freely and openly. 

Lastly, Protect Dissent, 8th and final value created by Steve Shriffin, discusses the individuals right to go against the majority, and even the government. This is so important in todays society and can be easily overlooked. It is also an ideal that i personally really agree with as I feel that I am someone who tends to lean away from the majority rule and take things and make them my own. One last comment I would like to add is that not all of the 8 Values of Expression are huge things that may change everything but while working together and all being used at the same time we can see a true change and they way they make our country that much more special.