Blog #3: Eight Values of Free Expression

All of the eight values of free expression stood out to me, however the one that stood out to me the most was fourth value of free expression, which is individual self fufillment (self actualization). Self-actualization is when a individual realizes who they are, their full potential, and pursue personal growth. Self fulfillment is broader in sense because it is the idea of achieving personal satisfaction which in turn could involve self actualization. Self-fulfillment can involve pursuing goals, interests, and activities that may have meaning to an individual or satisfy them. 

Self actualization is important to anyone and everyone because it gives us the ability to express ourselves freely, grow and develop, and discover our purpose as individuals within a larger society. Self actualization involves living a life that matches someone’s values and beliefs while staying true to their authentic self. The fundamental right of free speech allows people to express their thoughts and beliefs without fear of punishment. This freedom is essential for being authentic and true to ones true self, which is a prime concept of self-actualization. 

Self-actualization involves personal growth and self-discovery. Free speech gives individuals a platform to have open conversations, learn from people, and exchange ideas and thoughts. By doing this, people are able to grow and become self aware which are important for self-actuaization. 

The idea of self-fulfillment and self actualization is seen in a variety of ways in the world today. Luckily we live in a country where individuals have the right to chose what career path they wish to pursue. There is a strong emphasis on personal growth and self-discovery in the world today. People are encouraged to pursue their passions and talents as well as a lifestyle that aligns with their personal self. An example of this can be seen in any college around the country. Students are free to decide which major they to wish to pursue. Individuals then have the option to pursue a career that fits their interests and goals afterward. Also, many people today pursue education throughout their lives because they have reached points of self actualization. Another example of this can be seen through various social and cultural movements. People participate in these movements as an avenue to express their values and views of a better world. 

The butterfly in this picture sybolizes self actualization. Without free speech, the caterpillar would be unable to grow into a butterfly.

Blog #2: The Supreme Court

After completing the reading this week, I learned that the Senate has to confirm or deny the president's nominees for Supreme Court justices. I thought the President simply made the decision regarding who he wanted as a Supreme Court Justice. It makes sense though, since Congress has to approve laws before they are passed. I appreciate the fact that Congress is involved as it doesn’t give the president complete power. This helps prevent the president from simply “packing the court” and nominating justices that just support his political party. 

The most important fact that I learned from the reading was simply how important the Supreme Court truly is for our country. The Supreme Court has held several cases that have changed our nation. For example, several important cases that went to the Supreme Court include Brown v. Board of Education, Roe v. Wade, Plessy v. Ferguson, and Mapp v. Ohio. The Supreme Court not only determines the outcomes of civil rights cases but also cases that involve the Bill of Rights. Our Supreme Court continues to play a vital role in our country. 

I was surprised to learn that Congress has changed the number of seats 6 times over the years. The number of seats has ranged from 5 to 10. Currently, there are 9 seats that are filled. The article noted that Congress will try to change the number of justices to achieve political goals. This has created a lot of controversy over the years. I also found it surprising that only 115 justices have sat on the Supreme Court. Considering how long the Supreme Court has existed, I thought the number would be much higher. 

Before reading the article and watching the videos, I barely knew anything about the Supreme Court and how it works. The reading made it clear just how complicated the Supreme Court truly is. The nominee for Supreme Court Justice plays a vital role in determining how our future will look. Because I was very uneducated about the Supreme Court to begin with, I don't think I could say that reading the article changed the way I thought however, reading the article helped me consume new information about the Supreme Court that I didn't already know. 

Blog #1: Top Five News Sources

With technology on the rise in today’s society, people have access to different avenues to receive news and information. Many people today use social media to communicate with friends and family, general entertainment, and to share news and information with their friends. To prevent only receiving misinformation or biased information, people should utilize multiple ways to receive news and information. 

Below you will find my top five news sources (in no particular order): 

#1. Instagram 

As a young adult in today's generation, social media plays a major role in our lives. I use Instagram as a form of entertainment and to keep up with my friend’s lives. I typically come across posts on my feed of current events, whether it be sports, politics, music, and artists. This platform should not be the sole source for information. This is a great starting point for individuals to see what may be going on in the world today. People should continue to research current events further to get more information. 

#2. Tiktok

Tiktok, another form of social media, is widely used app that people are using today for entertainment.  While not the most credible source, one could often find videos of current events throughout their For You Page. For example, in June my For You page was taken over by videos concerning the Oceangate incident. There were videos discussing possible conspiracy theories and predictions on future outcomes. From that point on, I was hooked on Tiktok. I noticed several “fake” videos on the topic as well. Similar to Instagram, Tiktok should not be someone’s main source of news information. People should do additional research using credible sources. 

#3 Word of Mouth 

I try my best to surround myself around people with diverse viewpoints. I feel that this is a great way to educate myself on topics that I may not know a lot about. Even if it is something I do not necessarily agree, I enjoy listening to other people talk about their opinions and sharing their insights on what may be going on in the world during that given day and time. Word of Mouth allows you to see into other people’s perspective. However, it doesn’t guarantee that all information that is told during any said conversation is factual. It is up to the individual to do adititonal research on the topic or news that is being shared. 

#4 TV News Networks

All throughout my life, when I would come into the kitchen, whether it be a breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack, I would find the TV to be playing some type of news network. My parents watch a variety of news networks for information. This is important because most news networks are politically biassed in some fashion, and information isnt always how it is portrayed within that particular news network. Some examples of some news networks include Fox News, CNN, WXII (Local News), and MSNBC. 

#5 New York Times

every day during my free time, I get on my phone and play Wordle which is on the NY Times website. After completing a game, I will scroll through and browse the different news categories and skim articles that I find interesting. I find that this is a great method to keep up with things that are going on around the world.