8 Values of Free Expression| Promoting Tolerance

The first amendment has played a significant role throughout all of history and continues such in the present day. In fact, we use it every day; whether it is to attend church in peace, or to write an honest review online. However, it goes so much deeper than that. 

There are 8 specific values of free expression given to us by the first amendment, and the one I find the most important is promoting tolerance. It essentially is the idea that we the people, instead of banning hate and extremist speech, or speech we disagree with, allow it to build a better and more tolerant society because valuable lessons can be learned from it.

It should not be mistaken; promoting tolerance is not simply justifying the acts and behaviors of hate speech. Instead, it is allowing people to build resistance towards the negative aspects brought up. If we as a society shut down every instance that may possibly offend someone, we would never learn to be harmonious; we would never be able to accept and move on from our differences.

Nonie Darwish's Book

The Center for American Progress, or CAP, released a story from a college student on an anti-Islam speaker coming to campus to speak on her book; Nonie Darwish is known for her beliefs against the Islamic religion, especially her thoughts on 'annihilating' the religion completely. The article goes on to explain why it is important colleges focus not on eliminating hate speech but minimizing the chances it takes place. While I don't entirely disagree with this take, I view the more important part to be the student protests.

You see, it is Nonie's first amendment right to speak on her beliefs, but it is also the student's first amendment right to speak back. They should have every opportunity to speak out when they see their beliefs being challenged. It is all within their civil duties to do so. They did not impede on her ability to speak, nor did they stop her. They simply exercised their liberties. 

It is worth noting that promoting tolerance is not the same as compliance. We can and should challenge what we view as injustice. 

Kanye Shirt Controversy 

Another example of promoting tolerance would be in 2022, when Kanye West, according to Billboard, had black models wearing t-shirts that stated, "White Lives Matter". He unfortunately did not stop there; he emphasized antisemitic values in interviews and online. While other celebrities and brands did not infringe on his rights, they took matters back and spoke out against him. Brands revoked their deals and collaborations; celebrities posted and spoke about how they disagreed entirely with what he said. Kanye is still a big name, and we see his music everywhere. Even so, he did not escape criticism.

In these situations, we see how free speech was never taken away; we do see, however, how others use free speech in retaliation when they see problems with instances in our society. It is extremely important, especially in this day and age, that we follow the law and allow the first amendment liberties. It is dually important, though, that we promote tolerance and encourage each other to create a better and more synchronous community when we come across hate/extremist speech.