Freedom of Speech and the First Amendment

Freedom of speech and the first amendment

According to the webs definition, Freedom of speech, is the political right to communicate one's opinions and ideas. The term freedom of expression is sometimes used synonymously, but includes any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used.

What is Freedom of speech and the First amendment? In the world we live in today, the ability to say and do as we wish to be heard is often taken for granted. The First amendment to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of rights. It was introduced to allow people more freedom, allow people to have a voice and gave people there rights. We live in a country that has become more and more diverse and the ability to understand and appreciate different viewpoints is becoming much more important. The freedom of speech and expression really is a privilege. We grow up now where we don't appreciate it because we've never known anything different but you don't have to look too far back in history to realise how fortunate we are. However just because we now have the capacity to say or do what we want, surely it is has to be done with humility and respect, doesn't it?

In a recent article, there has been much up roar surrounding a man using his business window in order to portray a message in regards to removing Obama from his post. He's put an image of Obama's head superimposed in the body of a witch doctor that's rests atop the word "Obamacare." The witch doctor image is placed under a tombstone epithet that reads, "I told you I was sick," accompanied by a photo of the president in a doctor's coat and stethoscope. The man claims the image to be personal, he rightly says, 'we have the freedom to be heard, and this is my way to be heard,' and this exact statement is where I believe there is a real grey area which has caused so much attention and reaction. For me it comes from both sides, one is the appreciation from others, that this is a mans opinion, it's absolutely his right to have an opinion and also his right to express them. On the other hand I believe there is a real morale responsibility to consider others, and others views before you just post something. It's completely an individuals right to disagree with a view however, in that process, you don' have to disrespect that view in the expression. We are all fortunate enough to nowadays have these rights but in order for a diverse society to be civilised, everyone has to approach freedom of speech and expression with respect and consideration. Opinions and diversity is what defines us and makes the world interesting however I firmly believe there are certain ways to go about things, to get certain messages across.

The previous example of freedom of expression