In the United States, one of the freedoms that profoundly separate us from many other nations is the freedom of speech. The First Amendment is one of the amendments that define our great nation. These rights have been protected by the blood of Americans for hundreds of years. We believe so strongly in this right that we have sent countless number of service men into harm’s way to promote and protect this right for other nations.
It is very dangerous to allow any institution or entity to suppress an individual that is exercising their rights to freedom of speech. Once suppression is allowed, it will lead to more and more regulation of our rights. The scope of this topic goes way beyond that of the student, and the classroom. By no means does a learning institution of any kind have the authority to punish someone for speech that takes place outside the confines of that institution. When speaking about students online activities abusive and slanderous speech is a definite issue. Schools today have reason to be concerned about the safety of their students and staff. It is very helpful to have a school that is proactive in identifying potential problems. But once an issue has come to the attention of the school, working with the parents of the student to solve the problem is the only solution. Simply stated by the mother of Justin Layshock: “student online cases should be matters of parental discipline, not school discipline” (Hudson 64). Unfortunately many parents today are far removed from monitoring the social behavior of their children.
There is no absolute solution to this problem. The only thing that can be done without compromising the rights of the student is for the school to concentrate on meaningful dialog with the parents. Parents need to take a more active role in teaching their children about common sense, respect, and the importance on how others perceive their actions. The complete freedom to say whatever you want, whenever you want, may be tolerated while you are a student still in school. But when that same student enters the workforce, the misuse of your freedom of speech can prove to be very expensive. Employers are not inclined to put up with that type of behavior. I believe that is a major factor in the unusually high unemployment rate of teenagers today. For employers the attitude of young workers today can be a challenge. The only way this can be corrected is by the parents or guardians actively participating in the character building of their children.
I think you make several good points in your second blog. The first amendment has been and should continue to be protected as a vital part of our Constitution, and rights. I also agree with the idea of the dangers of institutions supressing individual rights to freedom of speech. Those thoughts were not only well written, but very moving to read. Again you are right in my opinion that there are no absolute solutions to this problem. I wish all parents and guardians were engaged enough to be present for their children. I work in a public school and have witnessed the sad reality that a certain percentage of parents are not. Good job though, Jason! Your positive outlook is refreshing! Thanks for being such an encouraging factor in this class.
ReplyDeleteWe are fortunate to the have right to voice our opinions. Our forefathers established this great country on individual’s freedoms; and freedom of speech is one of the most important rights we have as Americans. How could this country be successful without the input from movers and shakers throughout the centuries?
ReplyDeleteIt is our nature to disagree or question others opinions that vary from our own and this is a human trait that begins in our infancy. Throughout a student’s educational journey it is not uncommon for their views to be oppositional or differ from the curriculum they are presented. It is their right as young Americans to be able to share their views with others, whether they are received positively or negatively. Off-campus blogging is a place where students should be able to share their thoughts and celebrate their individualism without being under the scrutiny of school officials.
I agree that is extremely important for schools and parents to have open communication regarding concerns of inappropriate behavior, and it is ultimately the parent’s responsibility to teach their children morals and how to be positive and productive members of our society.
You made a valid point about how speaking one’s mind in a blog is very different than doing so in the workplace. This, again, comes back to the importance of the parent’s role in teaching their children to have good judgment skills and how to conduct themselves in different forums and situations that will affect them in their adult lives.
Excellent post! I agree that we all have the right to free speech, but we should also not infringe on the rights of others to have to defend themselves daily. I think that attacking others with foul language and useless information should be stopped. I do think that your reference to parents being involved is important. When something is brought to the attention of a parent they should be compelled to discuss with their children why they feel that way and correct the feelings or to show their children how the comment could make someone else feel attacked. It might be important to show students posting on blogs how other comments attacking certain things about each individual might be hurtful. I think the freedom of speech should protect things such as providing information that is factual, but providing opinion can be controlled.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the right of free speech must be protected. I view a blog as a personal diary. It is a place to say what you think and how you feel without being judged. The only time another persons words in a blog should be held against them is when they are threatening the safety of others. Threatening the safety of others would include physical and emotional harm. People must be held responsible for the words they use. Emotional harm can be as damaging or more so than physical harm. While free speech is the right of every person in this country, every person also has the right to live their life without harassment.
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