Reference no: EM133237981
Assignment:
Civil Liberties
The Battle Over Freedom of Speech
Even now as our nation attempts to deal with the continuing controversies involving the various media platforms of our society's mass communication in the digital age, we find ourselves embroiled in a battle over freedom of speech. The right to "free speech" is enshrined in the 1st Amendment of our U.S. Constitution. Freedom of speech may be exercised in direct (words) or a symbolic (actions) way. Freedom of speech is recognized as a human right under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The right to freedom of speech allows individuals to express themselves without government interference or regulation. But when it comes to an individual's right to free speech on a social media platform, the constitutionally-protect right does NOT apply .... Contrary to what many people in our society may believe, there exists no legal constitutional right to an individual's (or groups) free speech on any social media platform.
Please watch this brief informative video that will explain why this perceived right of free speech on social media does not exist ...
Question:
1. Do you have a Constitutional right under the 1st Amendment Free Speech protections to air your views on any social media platform? (Briefly explain)
2. Do you think that the free speech rights that are enshrined in our 1st Amendment (for protection against government regulation) should be extended to include social media platforms as well? ... In other words, should our right to free speech protections be stretched to include our individual speech on platforms of private corporate entities as well?
As always, take some time with your thoughts here and be considerate of viewpoints on this issue that may or may not coincide with yours ... This is an important discussion that our entire nation really needs to be engaged in and this is your opportunity to begin that discussion with your fellow classmates ... Have fun with it and be sure to engage as early and as often in the discussion as you are able ...