The Earth is the center of our solar system. Upon first glance, this statement already appears wrong because in the 21st century it is known that the Sun is actually at the center of the solar system.
That is a widely agreed upon fact, at this point in time. However, for those in the 1600s, there would have been debate on whether or not this statement was true.
During that time, the majority view at the time was that the Earth, as we know it, was the center of the universe. So much so, that those in the minority view were revoked for being heretical due to believing otherwise. Ironically, history and science eventually would side with the minority view, proving it to be factually correct.
This initial conundrum is a historical example of the necessity and importance of the minority view in a society. Our founding fathers understood this concept; thus, we have the First Amendment and the various freedoms that come with it.
Mob mentality is not a new concept, rather one that spurs up constantly as a part of the reality of being human and living in societies. It’s a mentality that comes with social pressures and leaves little room for proper thoughtfulness and clarity. When left unchecked, it can be dangerous.
Cancel culture is swathed in mob mentality and unfolds right before our eyes every day. Social media influencers and famous socialites are silenced overnight due to the overpowering assumptions made from hordes of occasional viewers.
These marks seem to be able to set the tone for what society, more like the majority, sees as acceptable, allowing bold claims and believed statements of truth to be created and stated as though they were publicly mandated.
That exact circumstance, and other akin to that, is where the 8th value of freedom of expression through the First Amendment shines by protecting dissent.
Allowing for dissent through giving a voice to the minority not only allows for the most ideas to populate but re-enforces the American way: democracy. Voices are not just heard in general; rather, there is an emphasis on every voice being heard—for good or for worse.
Because we as a nation have so many freedoms, great ideas can be spread. Looking back at history, the back-and-forth of our very constitution being finalized was in part due to people using their voice and speaking up about the atrocities of slavery.
The opposite is also true that due to our freedoms, people used their voices to fight for the continuation of slavery.
It is not a perfect system, but it's one that has been built on lasting principles with the vision of allowing as many people as possible to be able to voice their opinions.
Through dissent being protected, Americans have a legal way to resist mob mentality and potentially shine a light of truth on those few voices.
During that time, the majority view at the time was that the Earth, as we know it, was the center of the universe. So much so, that those in the minority view were revoked for being heretical due to believing otherwise. Ironically, history and science eventually would side with the minority view, proving it to be factually correct.
This initial conundrum is a historical example of the necessity and importance of the minority view in a society. Our founding fathers understood this concept; thus, we have the First Amendment and the various freedoms that come with it.
Mob mentality is not a new concept, rather one that spurs up constantly as a part of the reality of being human and living in societies. It’s a mentality that comes with social pressures and leaves little room for proper thoughtfulness and clarity. When left unchecked, it can be dangerous.
This often results in major social, and sometimes occupational, changes for that individual which can leave societal and personal marks.
These marks seem to be able to set the tone for what society, more like the majority, sees as acceptable, allowing bold claims and believed statements of truth to be created and stated as though they were publicly mandated.
That exact circumstance, and other akin to that, is where the 8th value of freedom of expression through the First Amendment shines by protecting dissent.
Allowing for dissent through giving a voice to the minority not only allows for the most ideas to populate but re-enforces the American way: democracy. Voices are not just heard in general; rather, there is an emphasis on every voice being heard—for good or for worse.
Because we as a nation have so many freedoms, great ideas can be spread. Looking back at history, the back-and-forth of our very constitution being finalized was in part due to people using their voice and speaking up about the atrocities of slavery.
The opposite is also true that due to our freedoms, people used their voices to fight for the continuation of slavery.
It is not a perfect system, but it's one that has been built on lasting principles with the vision of allowing as many people as possible to be able to voice their opinions.
Through dissent being protected, Americans have a legal way to resist mob mentality and potentially shine a light of truth on those few voices.
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