You are probably familiar with the fact that today’s free society allows people to have their own goals and paths in life. Compared to how it used to be, people now have the right to think about themselves and to put their thoughts and views first before anyone else’s. When free speech appears to be under the heavy onslaught, it’s worth mentioning just how important it really is, not just for college students, but for people of any age, gender, and ethnicity.
It’s an undeniable truth that freedom of speech has helped our society grow. It has left a major impact on our progress and development as a whole. But, no matter how much we emphasize the importance of freedom of speech, it’s safe to say that there are still taboos, orthodoxies, and rules that remain a heavy burden on this human right.
Here we will focus on all the things a student should know about this basic human right, like why is freedom of speech important, its history, and random facts you might find amusing.
Why is Freedom of Speech Important?
Even in this day and age, not everyone can speak freely. This human right doesn’t fully apply to all countries. Some people are punished for refusing to abide by popular viewpoints. Others get rejected or not fully accepted because of their ideologies or the decisions they make. It’s a fact that some countries still suffer from heavy censorship. But, a huge percentage of today’s world does have the right to free speech.
Those familiar with the history of freedom of speech, have seen how today’s society has evolved over the years. It’s a fundamental right that allows people to openly express their views, points, and ideas on life that can give rise to drastic changes in our society. Without freedom of speech, people wouldn’t be able to share their ideas and oppose anything that might not meet their needs. They won’t be able to resolve conflicts, come to a consensus, and try to improve society. Instead, they will be subject to massive prejudice, ignorance, and inequality. So, writing an essay, posting online comments or papers about your personal views on politics, for example, would be out of the question.
The History of Freedom of Speech on School Grounds
The international law of free expression has a long history. It was first adopted in 1948 with Article 19 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, allowing people to express themselves openly.
But, to think that the history of freedom of speech on college and high school grounds started with a 13-year old girl back in 1965, would be impossible to fathom. But, it did. Mary Beth Tinker, the young teenager who attached a black colored armband, was the one who inspired an uproar. She was immediately suspended after protesting on school grounds against the Vietnam War. Her act prompted protests and motivated thousands to start writing papers and talk about free speech.
Back then, students didn’t have the right to express their thoughts. They could do that outside, but the moment they entered the college or high school grounds, all their rights to free expression simply disappeared. But with the new ruling, a new era began giving students the right to free speech.
Interesting Facts About Freedom of Speech
With the current technological advances, a lot has changed in terms of freedom of speech. Every event, experience, or major change that has happened is shared with the world. People are now free to talk about whatever they like and post it online. For those looking to write an essay on this topic or want to work on their blog, it might be a good idea to look for a dissertation writing services review. Why? Sometimes working on such complex topics is time-consuming, which is why hiring a professional might come in handy. All of this online influence has made expressing oneself a million times easier for college, high school students, and people of all ages.
For students who want to learn more, here are a couple of interesting facts on freedom of speech.
- U.S. citizens have the right to burn their flag during protests if they want to. They can take part in any protest they like, no matter how controversial it may be.
- Statistics show that 40% of millennials believe free speech is harmful. In fact, some college students are highly convinced that it’s a good idea to forbid certain forms of expression. For example, they think it’s best that not everyone should have the right to say hurtful things in public. They think that if people have the opportunity to say whatever they like and whenever they feel like it, they can hurt someone’s feelings.
- Pornography has made it difficult for judges to determine whether or not it’s too “indecent” to be protected under the First Amendment as a form of free expression.
- North Korea has the most rigid and limited freedom of speech. Their government has the right to absolute control over any college, schools, private and public operations. By focusing on political propaganda and punishing those who stand against it, the right to freedom of speech is almost non-present in this country.
- Giving citizens the right to express themselves openly can help a country prosper. If people can express themselves, they can share new ideas. The country can use these ideas to grow and develop, but in a state of oppression, where free speech is non-present, the country is less likely to succeed.
Conclusion
Today, more than ever, it’s crucial that we protect our right to free speech. Some societies and governments may seek to suppress it. They may see it as “downgrading,” “unethical,” or “insulting,” but all these attacks simply suppress the true potential of our society. As long we can freely express ourselves, we have the potential to grow and develop.