BLOG POST 3

 For class, I recently read summaries on the eight values of free expression. In that link, our professor summarized eight theories that scholars used to describe why freedom of expression is so important to us as Americans. These theories were: Marketplace of Ideas, participation in self government, stable change, individual self fulfillment, check on governmental power, promote tolerance, promote innovation, protect dissent. In these recent times, especially when I think about the presidency of Donald Trump, not only did these theories resonate in certain ways, but also made me think about all the trouble that has come about. The theory I think about the most after reading the link is the Stable Change theory. As it stated in the link, the idea behind the stable change (aka safety valve) is, “It has been suggested that a society in which angry and alienated citizens are allowed to speak their mind, or "vent," will be more stable, as people will be less likely to resort to violence.  It has also been pointed out that allowing the alienated and discontented to speak freely enables government to better monitor potentially dangerous groups who would otherwise act more clandestinely. Ultimately, it is in the governments own self-interest to allow such venting.” The first thing that came to my mind after reading about this theory was the Capitol riots that happened on January 6th, 2020. The stable change theory is all about the allowance of people venting and speaking there minds about the government. Usually this all works out and no violence ever occurs. But the “venting” of the upset Trump supporters became a problem. This is largely due to Trump telling the people to march on congress. Even though our President at the time gave the direction to storm the capitol, it still doesn’t take away the “venting” of citizens to that actually made the storm possible. Some might think that since President Trump told his followers to storm the capitol that this theory wasn’t proven wrong since people can say they were listening to the “orders” of their commanding chief. But I believe otherwise. Also largely due to the rise of social networking, these ventings of angry and alienated citizens turned into plans. These plans then turned into actions, which sadly ended up in some people dying and our capitol being compromised. In the end, this just makes me ponder if this theory is still valid. Due to social networking, are we really ensured that the venting of angry and alienated citizens will less likely resort to violence? Do we need to do a better job monitoring this venting? Be more on guard? To be honest, I am just asking these questions. I do not have my own opinion on what I think will happen. Only looking towards the future to see what will unravel. Even though this theory stuck out to me the most because of the storming of the capitol, most or not all of these theories can relate to that as well in multiple ways. Overall, I really enjoyed getting into more detail of the Stable Change theory. It definitely resonated with me the most due to current political events. 








Capitol riots: Did Trump's words at rally incite violence? - BBC News

Tractatus Theologico-Politicus - Wikipedia


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