The concept of free expression is crucial in society for public and personal reasons. Free expression is a key concept in maintaining a democratic society, where people are born with the freedom to think, speak, and act freely, as long as it does not hinder others from doing the same.
Free expression holds public value as it allows individuals to exercise their rights and beliefs without fear, as we are given equality before the law. However, free expression holds personal value as it fulfills individuals by allowing them the ability to express thoughts, ideas, and opinions without censorship.
Foucault describes parrhesia as the decision to live as a truth-teller rather than being false to oneself. If one sees there is a risk in expressing themselves, they may refrain from sharing how they truly feel or think. By ensuring there is no risk, the individual can live safely in their truth and beliefs.
Public and personal identities are directly tied to free expression. Lauren Cusimano notes in the Module One Lecture Video that “identity is conceived and cultivated through the ability to express oneself.” Being denied free expression denies the individual of having their own identity, as a personal identity is tied tightly around one’s beliefs, opinions, and values.
Without free expression, a democratic society cannot exist, which would directly affect public identities. Cusimano states that expression is the ability to speak and be heard, as well as receive information. If those without power were denied the right to voice their opinions the society would not have equality and liberty for all.
A democratic society would cease to exist without free expression; therefore, it is worth protecting. To live in a free society, we must have the right to free expression.
While discussing that the oppressed, if given the chance, can speak and know their conditions, Spivak asks an important question: Can they speak? Are they being given the chance to? In ‘Can the Subaltern Speak?’ Spivak notes how Indigenous history has turned into a historian’s understanding of the events due to the silencing of Indigenous voices, removing the option for accurate information and replacing it with ‘models of imitation.’
Elizabeth LaPensée notes the importance of true representations while discussing the portrayal of Indigenous people in video games. The development process of video games excludes Indigenous communities which results in misrepresentations and stereotyping.
The consistent silencing of Indigenous voices prevents true Indigenous history from being shared and instead gives a historian with no understanding of Indigenous culture the opportunity to relay information based on their understanding.
By refusing individuals the right to free expression, we risk erasing other freedoms, as without free expression, we are directly controlled by those in power. We risk the erasure of history, as minorities’ voices are often stifled by those louder or more powerful than them.
Freedom of expression is critical in maintaining a balanced, secure, and established society.
Leave a Reply