First Amendment And Freedom Of Expression example essay topic
402 words
The first amendment entitles citizens of the United States to freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression. The questions these readings address are, should there be a limit to that freedom, and if so, how can we, as citizens, decide what should or should not be allowed? Some people hold the belief that any thought or action that is opposed to those established by our government should be dismissed as being untrue. Some would call people holding these opinions unpatriotic, however I believe the exact opposite to be true. The genius of the United States Constitution is that it can always be changed; our country was founded upon the belief that as time went on things would change, and we as a community would have to change with them. Without opposition to what is already established change cannot occur, and therefore we as country will never grow. Throughout history different groups of people have adopted symbols as a means of expression. In the United States the most recognized symbol is that of the American Flag. To some this symbol might represent all that is good with our country, but to others it could represent the exact opposite. Different things have different meanings to different people. Just as the symbol of the swastika brings a sense of pride to the National Socialist Party, at the same time it brings a sense of suffering and loss to the Jewish. The first amendment and freedom of expression gives both parties the right to express their feelings of these symbols and all that they represent as they see fit.
If that expression should include desecrating them, it is their prerogative. Again, without opposition, the can be no growth. Just as people have the choice to see something, they also have the choice to not see it. Everything exists for a reason, therefore, even if you like something, that doesn't mean that everyone else does to, and vice versa. Take pornography, the author of the article is obviously strongly opposed to all forms of pornography, yet it is still being made therefore not everyone is opposed to it. Again, this is a situation of freedom of expression and freedom of choice, it is their prerogative to make it, but no one is forcing anyone to see it.
