Blog Post #3 Eight Values of Free Expression- Individual Self-Fulfillment

Personally, the First Amendment is one of the most important rights we as Americans have. We are so lucky to have the First Amendment because it protects us from what we say. One of the Eight Values of Free Expression that resonates to me the most is Individual Self-Fulfillment.

What is Individual Self-Fulfillment?

It basically means that free speech allows us to be who we are. It helps us express ourselves and promotes our identity.

Why it's important to me:

Everyone has the right to express themselves they way they want to be seen. Luckily the First Amendment comes to hand in protecting the rights of individuals when they are expressing themselves. Individual Self-Fulfillment indicates that when we express ourselves it creates a path of recognition and identification of ourselves. The government cannot stop us from the way we express ourselves or the opinions we have. That's what makes Americans rights so special. Unlike many other countries we aren't forced to believe one thing without having an option on another. This is why Individual Self-Fulfillment is so important to me. We have the freedom to express ourselves the way we want and have our own opinions without being shut out.

Why I find it personal:

Growing up in a household with an Italian Dad and Jewish Mom changed the way I spoke and perceived things. Especially living on Long Island. I am not saying that I cussed but it changed the way I expressed myself. Italians are loud, I got that from my Dad. Even though my parents were both brought up differently, it shaped the way I am. This has made me more confident in the way I speak to others, and has helped me find my identity. As I got older I becoming more educated with what is happening around the world. It has shifted my opinions and I'm proud to be able to think the way I want without being stopped. It is important for us to have a voice and share it.

How it affects today:

The 2020 election was one of the most the most important election for me because I was of age to vote for the first time. As Americans we are allowed to have our own opinions. When I shared on Social Media who I wanted to win, I lost followers and got yelled at by people who didn't have the same opinion as me. It is totally fine to share different views but when you take it to a different level and get called words that don't define you, that's when I have a problem with Individual Self-Fulfillment. I am here for sharing our own opinions, I don't judge anyone or will "unfollow them." But it is important to express ourselves and if people are shutting others out because their beliefs don't align, then that isn't right. There has been many societal issues for the last 2 years and we should have the right to communicate our opinions without being shut out by people. It is sad that we are being judged from other Americans for just our beliefs. The Constitution has created our freedom to be able to express ourselves, it shouldn't create unnecessary problems.

We are so lucky to be given the First Amendment. Out of all of the Eight Values of Free Expression, I value Individual Self-Fulfillment the most.

Blog Post #2 Supreme Court

1. What did you learn about the Supreme Court that you didn't already know?

    I don't remember a lot of what I have learned in High School when speaking about the Supreme Court. This video has made me remember a lot of what I have learned but I don't remember learning that the Justices can switch sides during difficult cases. I thought they were suppose to have one stance and that's what they are believing in and going with. Since they do have the ability to switch sides I think that is great because it shows more of a perspective to what's going on and that the Justice is really taking into consideration all of the details.

2. What is the most important take-away point about the Supreme Court?

    The most important take-away point about the Supreme Court was that they all respect each other even though they may believe differently. Justice John Paul Stevens states, "We disagree as you know on very fundamental things from time to time, but we really all share the same basic objectives and we all respect one another's good faith in trying to achieve that overall objective." It's important to know that even though they may not share the same values, they still respect each other because they are all trying to do the same objective.

3. What was the most surprising thing you learned?

    What surprised me was the process of the Supreme Court Justices receiving the cases. It's done in such an organized and routined way. It was interesting to see how many cases they receive, and how many cases they have to go through per week, and the process of receiving the cases.

4. How did the video change the way you thought of the Supreme Court?

    The video changes the way I thought of the Supreme Court because even though I have learned about it in my classes in High School, I didn't think that they were such a big deal. Now 3 years later and paying attention to the media has definitely shifted my thoughts of the Supreme Court. This video has too. In High School we didn't really dive deep into the Supreme Court and this video intrigued my interest in the Justices because I was actually listening to them speak. When they are sharing their perspectives on the constitution it is so interesting and brings a lot of honor to the rights we have today.

Blog Post #1 My Top 5 Favorite News Sources

I am the type of person that likes to follow what's happening around the world or keep up to date with trends. It's important for me to receive this information, so I am not questioning anything or being confused. Below are my favorite news sources:

Fox News: 

I tend to frequently use Fox News for all political information. I trust this news source more than most when it comes to politics. I find them very trust worthy and credible. Although people may think Fox is "one-sided," I prefer to listen to what my view is, and I find the information more compelling. I also use Fox for other sources of news, such as the weather. 

E-News:

      E-News is my go to news source when it comes to following up with my favorite celebrities. I love reading celebrity news because it's entertaining and I like catching up with my favorite celebrities. E-News also used to stream "Keeping Up With The Kardashians," so I would usually go on their website to see the latest news on them as well.

 

Daily Mail via Snapchat

Daily Mail is one of my favorite news sources because not only does it keep me updated with news around the world, it also keeps me updated with entertainment as well. It's a UK news source, but since it's on Snapchat, I use it often because it's right there on the app. I find out the latest news about celebrities and influencers while also finding out what's going on in the world.

News 12 Long Island

As a kid, I watched News 12 because it was my local news at home. I love News 12 because it informs me of what's going on in my neighborhood and the towns around me. News 12 is informative with local news and sports news as well. When I come home from school, I watch News 12 to learn about what's happening in my town or other towns. It also keeps me up to date with crime. Even though crime does not regularly happen around me, it is informative to know which places around Long Island I should be careful of.

Twitter Explore

Twitter has been one of my most used social media apps. Not only for tweeting, but also for keeping up with the news.On Twitter's Explore page, it shows the most recent and most popular news that is happening. What I really find handy about Twitter is that you can find information fast. For example, when Instagram or Snapchat is down, I go to Twitter and search for Snapchat or Instagram, and they are tweeting that their app is down. It is helpful to find that information fast, so I am not waiting for it to come out from other sources.