Eight Values

   

    The value I believe to be the most important of the eight values of free expression is protection dissent. This value means that the First Amendment protects all views, including unpopular ones that stem from minority views. This value also promotes the right to be able to disagree with the government and others. We are even called to do so as citizens of the United States of America. The reason why this value resonates with me personally is because I strongly believe in hearing everyone's thoughts and opinions, even if I do not agree with them. We can gain a lot of knowledge by listening to all points of views, whether that be political, religious, or personal views. That does not necessarily mean we have to agree and all come to a common consensus about a view, but it can help us better understand it on a broader perspective.

    

This value is also one of the values I see in action today, mostly on social media. On social media, we are all freely able to express our beliefs and opinions without any consequences from the government. People may verbally attack one another based on their views, but this is also protected by the First Amendment. We are all able to criticize and point out flaws in each other's views. A specific example of this value being practiced is the discussion of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, most commonly known and referred to as ICE. America is divided on the subject of ICE. Many people protest against ICE and believe they are harming innocent lives as well as tearing families apart. A case that supports this argument is the father in Johnson County being deported while taking care of his two kids. He arrived in America when he was only 1 and has lived here ever since. He started a family and had a job. But ICE destroyed that and took him away from the life he once knew. On the other hand, others support it and believe they are helping our country become a better place. Two years ago, Americans took part of a poll questioning their stances on immigration. Majority of Americans wanted immigration rates to decrease. This stems from fear of terrorist attacks after experiencing them such as 9/11.