Speech Theories

Speech Theories

   

 Free Speech is monumental and valuable to the American culture; quite frankly, it makes America, America. After evaluating the eight speech theories used by scholars to describe and understand the premise of free speech in the United States, I was able to conclude which was the most valuable to American society. The eight speech theories are, Marketplace of Ideas, Participation in Self-Government, Stable Change, Individual Self Fulfillment, Check on Governmental Power, Promote Tolerance, Promote Innovation, and Protect Dissent. The theory that I found to be most prominent and valuable, was Individual Self Fulfillment. 

    The speech theory of Individual Self Fulfillment is described as the ability to express one's individuality and create their own identity. This privilege typically allows people to find others with similar likes, dislikes, and interests. This allows people to make meaningful connections resulting in happiness and the idea that one has potentially found their purpose. This true and genuine freedom of speech and expression allows someone to basically create their own reality. The point of living is more to feel alive and experience life, rather than simply exist. To truly live and experience life, one must possess the power to understand, create, and come to their personal skills, likings, and beliefs. The power instilled by the First Amendment and the speech theory of Individual Self Fulfillment puts this grand concept into play. In order for individuals to be beneficial to the workings of society, they need to embody the Self Fulfillment ideal. This speech theory grants permission to express your individuality to the fullest form. Not only does the Self Fulfillment theory benefit us individually by providing a sense of self, but it also benefits the population as a whole. By having these varying and unique ideas and viewpoints, it allows for free discussion of controversial topics. This variance in opinion creates strength and unity within the population if properly approached. In many cases of business matters, and properly run government panels, leaders have associates of differing beliefs, analytical skill sets, and point of views. This diversity in individuality allows for the most beneficial outcomes to be agreed upon. It also grants others the power to remove themselves from their situation and place themselves into another’s shoes. 

The Individual Self Fulfillment theory allows for humans to have their own personalities, thoughts, beliefs, and likings. It gives one the opportunity to become exactly who they choose to be. I find that to be so truly important. For if you are living decade after decade to only be someone who isn't truly you, you aren't really living.