Week 5: In Class Blog

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The Eight Values of Free Expression  are essential and key values of the American experiment. The fact that we give such deep thought into our ability to express reflects how we value our rights in American society. However, of them all, the most important is to me is the emphasis on Promoting Dissent within our system. This is the value that is a cornerstone to a patriotic citizen, as true patriotism only comes with the capacity to criticize one's government.

Without the cornerstone ability to promote dissent, constitutional rights would have never been extended for various minority groups that defy the status quo. The First Amendment guaranteed right of peaceful protest allows citizens to stand up against the government for their trespasses against the people. It is not just a right, but a duty for Americans to dissent against any governmental status quo that infringes on their liberty.

Without loud and disruptive criticism, there can be no progress.


"Any great change must expect opposition, because it shakes the very foundation of privilege." -Lucretia Mott
"A riot is the language of the unheard... what is it that America has failed to hear?" -Martin Luther King Jr.
"Please remember, especially in these times of group-think and the right-on chorus, that no person is your friend (or kin) who demands your silence..." -Alice Walker


“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” -Desmond Tutu

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