To what extent are we, as American citizens allowed to exercise our First Amendment right of free speech and exercise? Your first reaction may be, we can truly say whatever we want, right? Especially in this day and age with social media platforms making expressing our opinions even easier, saying what we want, when we want, seems easier than ever. However, have you ever thought about why some things posted are in fact blocked or censored? Or why you cannot scream “fire,” not a derogatory word, in a crowded theater and get arrested? While you do have First Amendment rights, whether you know it or not, you only obtain them to an extent.
All mediums in which you can express your opinions are limited in some way; print, radio, broadcast like radio, television, and social media platforms all have regulations on what can or cannot be said. While yes you can technically say what you want, when you want it, but it may not always be the greatest idea and may actually get you in a lot of trouble. Symbolic speech, pure speech, and commercial speech are some examples of what is absolutely protected under the first amendment. However, other forms of speech are not protected. For example, did you know you that government does not protect speech that leads to an “imminent” response. So, if you scream “bomb” in Times Square, when there is no bomb, you can be arrested. Similarly, if you post something false via social media and it results in a chaotic/violent response, it is illegal and is not protected under the Constitution. As free as this country is, have you ever thought about why certain language is prohibited?
Flag burning is another extremely controversial issue, however this form of speech is protected under the First Amendment. How is burning this patriotic symbol of the United States legal and allowed but screaming “fire” even as a joke in a public space, not a form of protected speech? Recently, President Trump has been claiming that if an individual burns the flag, his or her citizenship should be revoked. After thinking about this, I believe that punishment may be too harsh, but based on your opinion and beliefs, is burning the flag too harsh?
Your First Amendment rights are nonetheless extremely important in order to freely live in this country but whether you knew this or not, what you can and cannot say are very much regulated. In these days, social media is a facilitator in disseminating information to the public, without problem. How as a country should we address the future regarding public and constitutional/unconstitutional speech? What we publish via the internet, for all to see, has a profound effect on our society. What we say face to face may not have the same effect but both mediums have the potential to get your message across. As a nation, we should be grateful that freedom of speech and expression is so valued, it allows us to publish blogs like these. However, it is equally as important to recognize what our true freedoms are.
Works Cited:
Epps, Garrett. “Free Speech Isnt Free.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 7 Feb. 2014.