Eight Values of Free Expression- Protect Dissent (week 11)

Of the eight speech theories, the one that stands out to me the most is the very last one. The eighth speech theory, from Steven Shiffrin, focuses on the idea that our government system is not supposed to be one of mob rule. Shiffrin says that the first Amendment protects minority views, no matter how small or unpopular they may be or seem. As a citizen, you have a strongly protected right to disagree with the government -and everyone else for that matter. This is something unique about our system, people fought for this right! As a citizen, it is your patriotic duty to criticize the government and to stand up for what you believe is right and just.

In 1798 and 1918, the Sedition act made it illegal to criticize the American government. Sounds crazy right? Well, it wasn't until around year 1919 that the sedition act was repealed.

The right to dissent stems from our first Amendment rights. As a citizen you have the right to disagree with the government and it is your duty to voice that opinion! You can voice this disagreement through freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, etc. It doesn't matter how, just know you can do it (legally of course). 

The video above better explains some of the logistics that go behind a citizens democratic right to dissent. Without the ability to dissent, America would be nowhere to the point it is at today. For example, women fought for the right to vote and surprisingly enough, its only been 100 years since that dissent. For years, people have been speaking up and demanding change for what they believe in. This right is something many other countries do not have the privilege of having.

As a young college student, I recently have been becoming more politically informed and aware of what changed and decisions are going on around me. Personally, I believe the eighth speech theory that focuses on political dissent, is one that should be exercised more often in our society. People to not understand what a privilege it is to have this right! Everyday, people online go to social media to complain about the government or what may be going on in politics. Instead, these people have the constitutional right to not just complain, but to actually take ACTION and show the government what we don't agree with and what changes must be made! Like Shiffrin said, the first Amendment even protects minority viewpoints, no matter how unpopular they may be. Us citizens have the duty to make these minority viewpoints heard.