People need to consider what they communicate
as much as there is a right to free expression. Words uttered by a person
either verbally or through writing cause an impact to the readers and
listeners. With regards to the content, souls can be seared, realities become
shattered, and hearts get ripped off. Words pierce through flesh and beyond
settling inside an empty space where thought resides. As Fish, puts it,
self-censorship should be embraced as a responsibility enabling a person not to
say something that would lead to speech violation.
In
Fish’s article, the letter by a Seattle resident that read “Jews Manipulate
America” is a clear illustration of violation of free speech. The writer’s content
has threats like, “Jews might face another Holocaust.” People may never agree
on some issues and are free to express what they feel but at the same time they
should exercise the right in a way that they do not cause harm to other
individuals. Communication becomes accomplished when it does not degrade or
disgrace those of conflicting viewpoints. Which this would be my opinion, I believe
that we all have the right to say what we want, but not by crossing the limits.
Tony
Smith a basketball player from Manhattan Ville College caught attention of many
when she turned her back to the flag during recital of the nation anthem. Her
action was a way of expressing her disagreement to the government policies in a
tactful manner. She remained as a First Amendment hero because her way of
communication though not very pleasant, proved to be authentic and expressive
without hurting anyone. People should not be limited to speech but they should
comprehend that for every action there is a consequence for actions.
Ahmad, I really like the way you explain your thoughts on the Tony Smith example. I feel the exact same way as you did. She did nothing to harm anyone around her or over react on the situation. I agree with you heavily on what she did was not very pleasant but the way she did it was in a way that made her a First Amendment hero. There could have been so many other ways she could have approached to prove her point that would have harmed and offended the people around her but she was smart with what she did and proved a point while under the protection of the First Amendment. I would have like to see an example that you found that fits this category to see how you broke it down in your eyes.
ReplyDeleteAhmad, I really enjoy reading your blogs. They are always so clear and to the point. You really hit this blog on the head. I feel like you did everything asked and really made sense of Fish's writing. I also agree with Ryker and you on the Tony Smith example. You did a good job explaining of what sh did was the more appropriate and responsible reaction. Also I think you did a great job with eh articles on the Jews examples and how we shouldn't "cross the limits". Overall, you did very good.
ReplyDeleteAhmad, I enjoy reading your blogs because they are always so organized and have a great pattern. You always put ideas into the simplest forms so that they can be understood by anyone. I think that you really understood what needed to be said for this blog. You include examples and go into detail of why the First Amendment has been abused and also how it should be used correctly. I liked how you stated that there are limits that should not be crossed and that we need to know those limits so that we are not discriminating or being prejudice. I think that this could also tie into last weeks essay by Rauch and how when guidelines are not followed bad consequences tend to follow. Good work on this blog and all the others in the past! Keep it up!
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