A major aspect of free speech that often goes unmentioned is in just the words we say. In some countries, their citizens are restricted from even saying certain words. Fortunately enough for us, the U.S. protects this. Quite literally, giving us the freedom of speech.
I am super grateful for this, because I speak differently around different groups of people. For example, when I’m with my friends, I may use less mature language than I would use around an adult. The problem comes into play when I forget that I am talking to an adult and use my more relaxed tone. Similarly, if I lived in a place where I could be punished for these occasional slip-ups, I could potentially get myself into a lot of trouble.
The fact that our words cannot be held against us — exempting circumstances that could potentially put others in danger or when one’s words are used in trial — is pivotal to creating a progressive nation. We can argue and disagree without facing consequences. We have the right to speak up if we don’t like the way something is being done. Protesters in other countries can get in big trouble for speaking out. In the U.S., protesters are protected under the first amendment. Anyone can call attention to issues they care about, so long as it is done in a peaceful and non-destructive manner and they shall be free to do as they please. The freedom of literal, oral, speech is one of our most cherished rights, and allows for people to be themselves and speak their minds.
