Blog Post #4

The Eight Values of Free Expression were new information that was yet to be added to my education. After looking further into them, I am glad that I am able to look further into these topics and increase my knowledge of them. Though these theories were created long ago, they can still relate to the world today. One theory I see being used, the most, in action today is Individual Self-Fulfillment. 

Individual Self-Fulfillment is the idea of free speech, giving citizens or individuals the right to express themselves. This seems like such basic freedom, but in the world today not everyone has such a luxury. It wasn’t until 2015, with the Obergefell v. Hodges case, same-sex marriage became legal. The LGBTQ community continues to fight for rights and the ability to express themselves without judgment. Though we are finally getting to a place where it is acceptable there are still struggles in the world. Transgenders are a huge topic in mainstream media currently after Hershey’s Chocolate released an advertisement on International Women’s Day featuring a transgender woman. This created lots of controversy about how it’s a day celebrating women and technically she is a “man”. Through all this controversy the LGBTQ community never fears to express themselves. They are open people, through their personalities, clothes, and also their fight for equality. 

Promote Innovation, which is free speech that is valued and protected and is likely to be an energized and interesting society. This can also be seen in the LGBTQ community. The way they express their freedom of speech is in new and inspiring ways. Many are very open on social media about how they feel, and what they want for the future. The community also has many protests, not only will they protest for things that affect them, but other issues that may be going on in the country or world. Whether they are protesting against a bill or protesting to express themselves and the problems in their community, the LGBTQ never fails to make their points clear and make themselves known. Being energetic and expressive, more people are likely to look at what you are fighting for because they are so passionate about it. 

The 8 Values of Free Expression are going to be valuable to our country and others for a long time. Some might say they lasted this long because they are broad statements, but if you look further into them, they all have their own meaning and they connect to each other. These are not broad statements these are detailed and well thought out so they would last this long.