These past couple of weeks I have been studying School of Law in my classes. We have been heavily focusing on the five freedoms described in the first amendment. Out of those five freedoms (religion, speech, press, petition, peacefully assemble) I have noticed that freedom of speech has been something not many have respected,or understood, lately.
While watching the presidential debate last evening, I scrolled through various social media forms watching people post their opinions on all sorts of issues.
I also watched people argue with one another, and be hateful when others did not have the same mindsets.
What is the definition of free speech? Well, according to Merriam Webster, it is the legal right to express one's opinions freely.
While my class was learning about freedom of speech and all of the legalities to it, I came upon a very good quote.
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire
What Voltaire means is that freedom of speech is not the freedom of speech for those who share your opinions, but for those who's opinions differ from yours. People are going to have different opinions than you, and while you may disagree with them, it doesnt make their opinions any less meaningful than yours.
I think that people get so caught up with proving their own opinions right, that they forget that they are arguing with a person just like them. A person with feelings
As the elections are intensifying, I thought people could use a reminder about their political rampages, and social media tangents.
A reminder that arguing with someone who's beliefs/opinions differ from yours, will not make them change their opinion. In fact, it might actually steer them in the complete opposite direction.
Consider how difficult it is for someone to convince you to change your mind on something, and remember that next time you attempt to do it using hateful remarks.
People so often spew hateful words, or spiteful comments towards others and use "freedom of speech" as their excuse. However, thats not what its for. Its the freedom from our government to speak your mind, and share your thoughts. It's not the freedom to put down others.
How boring would this country be if everyone thought the same way? There wouldn't even be an election if this were the case.
As everyone makes their way through this upcoming presidential election, please try to be respectful of everyones opinions.
This does not mean you can't debate with others, or have contradicting opions. It just means that you can go about doing it in a way that isn't disrespectful.
