The First Amendment is guaranteed protection of freedom for citizens in the United States regarding religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. The First Amendment establishes free expression, which can be illustrated in eight ways:
- Marketplace of Ideas
- Participation in Self-Government
- Stable Change
- Individual Self-Fulfillment
- Check on Governmental Power
- Promote Tolerance
- Promote Innovation
- Protect Dissent
Individual self-fulfilment resonates with me most because it allows us to create and express our identity that becomes an aspect of our human dignity, fostering a sense of autonomy. According to the Speed Commerce website, self-fulfillment is more than achievement for external validation, but it's an inner sense of contentment and fulfillment derived from living authentically in one's true self. Individual self-fulfillment gives the freedom to express themselves in whatever form they believe best represents who they are. It comes with the power to feel free within yourself, expressing one's deepest truths without feeling the weight of society's expectations. Individual self-fulfillment gives a person the a purpose in order to live a life filled with content and achieving goals that are meaningful and impactful in your life.
Personally, individual self-fulfillment is special because it has taught me to be my own person, to develop interests that I enjoy, without feeling the need to change myself to fit an image created by someone else. I enjoy a variety of music because I think listening to one genre all of the time is boring. I find fulfillment in reading my Bible every day and continuing to build a stronger relationship with God. I enjoy doing crafts and fun creative projects. I like cats, watching sports, reading books, and watching romantic comedies and coming of age movies. A few of these things I find joy and make me who I am. With the liberty that freedom of speech gives, it shows myself and others to do what fills our cup; to do what we find to be fulfilling and authentic without being penalized for it.
Mental health is a major issue in today's modern world. With the current presence of social media, especially with the popularity of TikTok, many have the ability to maintain their freedom of expression and image however they please. Many resort to social media as a chance for connection in commonalities, discussing the latest trends, politics, celebrities, and more. Social media apps like TikTok allow users to express any opinion they have about someone online. This leads to a major issue of authenticity that many seem unable to grasp.
The "perfect" lifestyle of an influencer, showcasing unrealistic and flawless lives of a random person online, concerns lots of people and opens up opportunities to mentally compare their lives which creates hate or judgement as a defense. This defeats the purpose of true authenticity and having the power to be who you are. Often, this leads into the idea of self transcendence, causing someone to develop behaviors that degrade their quality of life. According to the Kentucky Counseling Center, every struggle is a chance to grow, improve, and discover more about who you truly are." Every platform allows the chance to for true freedom of expression and how we contribute more as a society.
Ultimately, the pursuit individual self-fulfillment gives is a great reminder for personal accountability within our right of freedom expression. Freedom of speech through the First Amendment enables us to find our purpose and create an identity for ourselves in a dull world. The freedom of speech protects us through diverse viewpoints, identities, beliefs, preventing a forced conformity which is vital to flourish in everyday life.
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