Values of Free Expression

When looking at the Eight Values of Free Expression, the categories cover ideas such as protecting dissent, allowing for the promotion or free discovery of ideas, stable change, etc. Although these are all crucial in protecting democracy under the First Amendment, the marketplace of ideas is the most important to me and resonates the most through the turmoil occurring both nationally and abroad. 

A key example of the marketplace of ideas being threatened was the constitutional crisis that occurred under that Biden administration during the pandemic. Although all administrations face criticism--some worse than others--stifling the flow of ideas and using media censorship on doctors and scientists discussing vaccinations and procedures is an acute example of why this value of free expression is indispensable in society. For example, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya faced backlash for many reasons, mainly because he advocated for schools remaining open while protecting older generations. Regardless of his political viewpoints or partisan leanings, he spoke out as he saw fit based on his education and experiences. 

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya was one of many that were silenced on social media during this time, and it violates this freedom because it stifled the dissemination of discussion and the cultivation of potential solutions to Covid-19. I don't feel a certain way about the exact information that Dr. Jay Bhattacharya was trying to share with colleagues and people in general, but the discussions he could have had with other scholars, scientists, and doctors could have saved many lives during the pandemic. 

For example, his research and viewpoints could have been incorrect when discussing how to handle a global pandemic; on the other hand, by sharing his experiences, he could had continued to collaborate with other people in his field and profession to have informed conversations about the subject of Covid-19 and how to handle society. 

John Milton, the author of Areopagitica (written in 1644), spoke out against government censorship in printed works. This is where the idea of the discovery of truth and the marketplace of ideas comes into play; Milton argued that people have the right to spread both truths and falsehoods in soceital conversation. I think that by proposing certain ideas, people have the chance to buttress their existing arguments with new ideas, debate ideas promoted, and disagree. Furthermore, I do not see this only being prevalent in science. 

As a writer, I enjoy reading other people's ideas, stories, viewpoints, diction, and more to learn about the possibilities and parameters of writing while giving a voice to people with unique or compelling backgrounds. Without the marketplace of ideas, I would not be able to read and learn about what other authors and poets are discussing, leading to a lack of diversity, culture, and overall dissemination of potentially groundbreaking ideas.