Speech Theories

Individual Self-Fulfillment. When thinking about freedom of expression, my mind automatically suggests that I'm allowed to say whatever I want without the government getting in the way of it. After learning about the Eight Values of Free Expression, I began to think about this on a more personal level. The theory of Individual Self-Fulfillment stood out to me the most because it is more personal than political, which I am interested in. It gives leeway for people to express their emotions in a different type of way. A way where they can connect with one another with personality and creativity just by being themselves. Every day I scroll through hundreds of opinions. These opinions are expressed through social media; whether they are intelligent, misleading, or hilarious, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, which connects us in an inspiring way. 

Social Media is my main example I will be using today. Apps like Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, Etc

Freedom of Speech 

All allow us to express our emotions and our freedom of speech. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, there is always a wall between your voice and the screen. I'd like to explain this differently. You know when you're driving in the deepest parts of New York or New Jersey, and you get the raging drivers that are screaming at you through their car window. They are screaming at you because there is a window/wall dividing you and them, so you are not standing face to face with that person. The chances of that person acting that same way when there is no window separating you two are very low. This is how I think of people expressing their opinion online. This may allow those types of people to be able to build community and feel comfortable expressing themselves. 

Being able to express yourself through social media may help people find exactly who they are when they are growing up, and I think that is so important

First Amendment Written 

in today's society. For example, finding new interests like music or drawing and sharing videos online about it can help someone find their true passion. This leads me to believe that freedom of expression is not only whether the government allows us to speak, but more so if people feel like they can actually use that freedom. The First Amendment protects our ability to express ourselves, but social pressure can still influence whether we choose to speak or not, which is why I find social media platforms so important for this generation. 

In a world where so much of our communication happens online, I think this value of free expression is more important than ever. The ability to express ourselves allows us not only to be heard by others, but to better understand ourselves. 

Supreme Court Reflection

The Supreme Court and its lasting impact on American History. 

                                  

The U.S. Supreme Court is one of the most important institutions in American government. Although it is made up of only nine justices at a time, its decisions can affect the lives of millions of Americans.

One detail from the video that stood out to me was that more than 100 people have served as Supreme Court justices throughout the Court's history. That long history has allowed the Court to influence major moments in the nation's development.

Becoming a justice is not an easy transition. According to the video, new justices often describe joining the Court as a strange and overwhelming experience. It can take years for them to fully adjust to the unique responsibilities and traditions of the position.

The Court has also played a major role in some of the most controversial issues in American history. One example discussed in the video was Dred Scott, an enslaved man who went to court to claim his freedom. The Dred Scott decision became one of the most criticized rulings in Supreme Court history and helped deepen national divisions before the Civil War.

Shaping the nation through landmark decisions 

After the war, the nation adopted the 14th Amendment, which expanded protections for citizens and became one of the most influential parts of the Constitution. The video described it as a kind of "second Bill of Rights" because it greatly increased the rights protected by the federal government.

That amendment continues to shape Supreme Court decisions today.Another interesting point from the video was the contrast between the phrase "We the People" and the reality of early America. At the time the Constitution was written, the government represented only a small portion of the population. Many people, including women and enslaved individuals, were excluded from participating in the political process.

Over time, Supreme Court decisions and constitutional amendments helped broaden those rights and protections. The history of the Supreme Court is more than a story about judges and legal cases. It is also a story about how the United States has struggled, changed, and continued working toward a more inclusive definition of "We the People."

Before watching this video, I knew the Supreme Court was the highest court in the United States, but I did not realize how much its history reflects the nation's broader struggle over rights and equality.

One thing I learned that I did not already know was that more than 100 justices have served on the Supreme Court throughout its history. I also found it interesting that many new justices describe joining the Court as a strange and overwhelming experience that can take years to fully adjust to.

The most important takeaway from the video is that Supreme Court decisions can have long-lasting effects on American society.

The Court does much more than settle legal disputes. Its rulings help define the meaning of the Constitution and influence how rights are protected for generations. The video showed how major decisions have shaped the country's development and affected millions of people.

Clarance Thomas 

The most surprising thing I learned was the story of Dred Scott and his attempt to gain freedom through the legal system. The Court's decision in that case became one of the most controversial rulings in American history and helped increase tensions before the Civil War.

I was also surprised by the discussion of the 14th Amendment. The video described it as a "second Bill of Rights" because it expanded protections for citizens and gave the federal government a greater role in protecting individual rights. I had heard of the amendment before, but I did not fully understand how important it has been to later Supreme Court decisions.

The video changed the way I think about the Supreme Court because it showed that the Court is not just a group of judges interpreting laws. Its decisions have helped shape the meaning of citizenship, equality, and justice in the United States.

The discussion about "We the People" stood out to me as well. At the nation's founding, many Americans were excluded from participating in government. Over time, constitutional amendments and Supreme Court decisions helped expand rights to more people.

After watching the video, I see the Supreme Court as an institution that not only interprets the Constitution but also plays a major role in the ongoing story of American democracy.

Top 5 news sources

 1. My Dad 

While I'm very close to my Dad, I have always gone to him with any questions I've had. He is a very conscientious man about the current news. He is always sending me interesting news articles on things that he thinks I would find interesting. For example, he likes to send me golf articles on what is happening on the day to day basis. For the more political side of things, he teaches me basically everything I know about politics because I was never really in the loop with all of it until I asked him.  

2. Instagram 

I use Instagram everyday, while most of my generation does as well. I scroll on the main page wether if its to look at my friends posts or to see pop culture news. I would say I get a lot of my news from Instagram because I follow many pop culture accounts. For example, an account called "hiddenny" is an account that I follow along with. They post mostly everyday and they post cool pictures as well as New York news. my family and I are origionally from New York so I find the news interesting. 

3. X 

"X" Also commonly known as twitter, is a very interesting platform to me. I have to be in the right mood to go on this app. Usually Kanye West has to have done something terrible for me to go on the app and find out what hes done. I dont use this app on a day to day basis unlike other people. I think its too much for my brain but to each their own. 

4. TikTok 

TIkTok has to be my favorite app out of all of these news sources. I go on TikTok when I wake up, when im bored during the day, and when im falling asleep at night. Most of the current trends come from TikTok and I think that without it I would be far from all of Gen Z news. I think my genaration would agree with this as well. Although TikTok can be funny and unserious, Many news sources havve their own accounts and post on here which I find interesting when it pops up on my for you page. 

5. YikYak

YikYak is a college student app where you can be annonymous and post comments to your specific college to students. It can be funny comments or news that you think students should here. Students and myself have received news about HPU many times and I would consider this a news source specifically for college students.