Speech Theories Blog

Speech Theories Blog

Throughout the United States today, it seems as though the views which are not accepted as politically correct are either censored or not given any media attention. I feel as though that the eighth theory in speech theory is the most important theory that pertains to our American society today. The theory goes as follows: Our system is not supposed to be one of mob rule. The First Amendment protects minority views, no matter how unpopular. You have a strongly protected right to disagree with the government — and everyone else. In fact, it is your patriotic duty to criticize the government. 

Despite it being within the powers of the First Amendment to protect minority views, no matter how unpopular, the President of the United States himself was not protected. It is known that trump was not very well liked throughout the media and on social media during and even after his presidency. Even though he was not liked and did not always say the brightest things, he was still supposed to be protected by the First Amendment. However, Twitter decided to ban and remove his account from the social media platform, citing that because they were a private company, they had the right to control what could be posted on their platform. This is an outright violation of Trump's first amendment rights and goes directly against what the eighth speech theory stated. 

It seems as though no one is safe in today's America. With the COVID-19 vaccine becoming available for everyone nationwide, there have been opposing viewpoints on whether or not to get the vaccine. Some cite the vaccine as unsafe because it was made so fast, while others say that is their responsibility to protect others and get the vaccine. Under the first amendment, it should be allowed that anyone can voice their opinion on what they think is the right thing to do. Nicki Minaj recently tweeted: "...So just pray on it & make sure you’re comfortable with ur decision, not bullied.” As a result of this tweet, she was suspended from Twitter and not allowed to use the social media platform anymore. All of this was because she simply voiced an opinion that not many people agree with and was punished for it. 

It is vital for the American democracy that all viewpoints, no matter how hated, are heard and listened to. If only one narrative is pushed while others are silenced, then America fails to be what it was created to be: free. While some opinions might not be the most popular, without them America would all think the same and not question a single thing the government does or says. We would simply become China 2.0. This is why I believe the eighth theory of speech is the most vital and important in today's American society. Without it, we fail to be unique, free, and American.

Going forward, I hope to see platforms like Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, etc. not be allowed to silence their users based on their political views or opinions. If we allow big tech companies to censor what they find unacceptable, then we are allowing them to take the role of the government in our lives.