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Eight Values of Free Expression: Individual Self-Fulfillment

After becoming more familiar with the eight values of free expression, I felt a genuine connection with the value of individual self-fulfillment. It is strange to think about how our country and its people would function without the right to express themselves and be their own individual. It is a part of our nature to fulfill our hopes and desires. “In this way, self-fulfillment betokens a life well lived, a life that is deeply satisfying, fruitful, and worthwhile.” (Gewirth, Alan.) I believe that this is one of the most important values of free expression, because without it we would not hear opinions, provoking thoughts, or raise questions that make ourselves and others truly think. I have the ability to explain my ideas to you, because free speech and self-fulfillment allow me to.

Free speech grants us the capability to share our thoughts and beliefs with the world around us. Although, with the rise in use of social media platforms and online interfaces, people may feel less inclined to share their opinions, especially if they are speaking out against a group of firm believers in their vision. Forming a new opinion and straying against a group consensus is definitely not a comfortable call to action. I think that in our society today, it is becoming more difficult for individuals to represent themselves and their ideas in the way that they truly would like to.

On the other hand, I do think that there are people who prowl on internet sites and social media platforms with the sole intention to shoot down other people’s ideas and make them feel like their opinions have no value. This can be seen a lot on the platform of Twitter. Twitter is designed for users to share their thoughts in 280 characters or less. Celebrities, promoters, government officials, and thousands of everyday people use this app religiously. I find that Twitter is the easiest platforms to talk about your feelings and share your thoughts. With it being the easiest platform to do so, it comes along with a lot of fighting, hurt feelings, and confusion.

Overall, I find that one of the most important values of free expression is self-fulfillment. Humans are inclined to talk about how they feel and express their ideas to the world and those around them. As a matter of fact, we do this every day whether we recognize it or not. In my own opinion, keep sharing your beliefs and deliberations, as it is important to creating and being a happy and healthy, human.  

https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt7tbk6

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