Free speech is the freedom of expression. It is the ability to express oneself without fearing the repercussions. Free speech is the ability to put thoughts, information, and opinions into words and practicality. It means you can say anything you want, wherever you want. While that is a good thing and a progressive approach for people who were earlier not given a chance to be opinionated, it is not a good opportunity for people who will say just anything. There is a dialogue in the book Words By Deep Blue that intimately defines the importance of words and expressing feelings and emotions through words. However, there are instances where free speech turns out to be more harmful than fruitful. It takes away more than it can ever give back, and it disrupts lives.
How did free speech originate?
Free speech came to form around 1791. This happened when the powerful endlessly curtailed the rights and the freedom of the press. The release of the media has been a question of concern from times immemorial. The press connects the interim government and the demanding and appreciative people, so it is essential to maintain transparency during communication.
Thomas Jefferson was the first person to bring to light that the general public should have the freedom to put forth their opinions without asking the government. Ultimately, he came to be known as the father of free speech. Over the years, alongside the independent press, people have begun to practice free speech and free will. Now more than ever, all genders feel they can speak what they want and be sure to be heard. However, people misuse power. They misuse rights, which happens when something as beneficial as free speech falls prey to regressively radical people.
Free Speech- boon- to what extent?
Speech is substantial. Freedom of Speech reinforces all other rights. The most important thing for any society to grow and glow is how well they can communicate amongst themselves and the provisional government. The reason why the unbelievable happens, why communism falls, and democracy prevails, is because people talk. People communicate their opinions, needs, and demands in a way that they think will help society grow.
The sole reason peaceful protests are the heart and mind of any impactful movement is that it is the will to go from place to place, saying the same thing repeatedly, without fear or resistance until a point where the masses consume it. Free speech brings about revolutions and helps countries make or break. Women have been able to make a significant impact on the world, slashing patriarchal standards because of how they believed they had something meaningful to say. Not only did the countries support women in talking about their rights, but they also made substantial changes to their constitutions to make them more gender-friendly.
Free speech holds power. The best element of free speech is how fluid it is. You can say anything you want, wherever you want; however, you want, without fear. Free speech holds equality, and thus it can culminate in strength for people, one and of all kinds.
Free speech- bane – to what extent?
The same reason why free speech came to being is now why it is considered a waste of resources. The press has begun to exploit their freedom of speech by spreading misinformation. There is a reason why there is unrest on social media and incoordination in the protest segments. Social media sees flooding messages in and out about people arguing about something for days at a stretch. The conclusion comes out to be that the event in question did not ever take place. The government exploits the rights of the people by hearing what does not cost them their power.
A country is a happy democracy unless it does not question the primary authority. If it does, it will see the dark and ugly days. There are cases where people accuse others of things they never did, all because their words matter and will be considered. This is unfair not only for local people but also for people who genuinely need the ability to communicate effectively. The privileged exploit the freedom of speech, and the needy never get it- the form of imbalance that causes the difference. People fight people because everybody feels they have the correct information. The turmoil is not only because of naivety but also because of stubbornness- the desire to be heard but not to hear.
Freedom of speech comes with responsibility
Freedom of speech is a way for people to convey their emotions, opinions, ideas, and questions without worrying about the repercussions. Free speech has been an original concept. However, it is the people who began exploiting and using it to suit their manipulation. The exploitation of free speech has not only cost lives but has also led people to accept lives they do not deserve. The justice system suffers due to exploitation. However, the truth is, the world needs free speech. The world needs to develop and create, and for that, it needs people to feel free to express what they want. The thing to focus on is how to channelize the Speech and information that come along. The true potential of free speech will register itself when the world as a whole sees how intricately they can use it for things that the world longs for, kindness and happiness.
