Image Source: https://medium.com/indian-thoughts/freedom-of-speech-a-21st-century-revisioning-3c30bd091690
While there is personal value to free expression, it is largely public in my opinion. Humans possess this rare ability of being able to formulate language and expressions with our mouth, body, and mind that no other animal possesses to the same capacity. This gives all of us the ability to alter the perception of others in our own unique ways.
There are definitely ways that free expression shapes our personal identity and takes form as a personal value, but how we express ourselves will ultimately impact society, the public, in ways we don’t even intend. Social media has revealed just how impactful free expression is, even in a “private” account. People have been able to build audiences by showcasing their authentic selves in ways that make many people not feel so alone because they identify with those figures’ beliefs.
In a way, the Greek term “parhessia” has experienced a resurgence, with many being able to amass a large following for expressing opinions that oppose popular beliefs. Ill use the definition provided by Teresa M. Bejan, “the license to say what one pleased, how and when one pleased, and to whom.” Figures like Charlie Kirk, Hasan Piker, Ben Shapiro, Ana Kasparian, etc have been influencers that became prominent for daring to “speak the truth” no matter what others might think, expressing ideas that one might consider taboo or inappropriate (nationalism, socialism, collectivism, fascism, etc).
A quote by Michel Foucault that really caught my attention was, “The parrhesiastes is not only sincere and says what is his opinion, but his opinion is also the truth. He says what he knows to be true.” The modern rightwing has been able to reclaim political dominance because they have adapted a strategy that makes me think of this quote. They speak what they think, regardless of the consequences, and that has appealed to people in ways that almost reshapes the identity of those who fall for those beliefs.
There have also been more conversations revolving around what the “truth” even means. Donald Trump is a president known for his dishonesty and yet he has a following of millions who believe everything he says. His “truth” shapes their reality, no matter how much it goes against logic and fact. Even his private thoughts and conversations shape the conversation when leaked. He has shown that the expression of others can shape identities, regardless of what has become culturally acceptable.
Figures like Donald Trump have furthered the conversation about censorship, whether that’s restricting others’ free expression in the name of public wellbeing, or allowing people to express themselves regardless of the consequences. I consider myself left-leaning politically, arguably far-left, but even with that I still believe free expression is worth protecting, no matter the person speaking. I would argue that figures like Donald Trump have done severe damage to society because they’ve been able to freely express themselves, but figures like him also force expression and language to evolve. Its forced me to rethink my own beliefs after I’ve been proven wrong by the rightwing movement time and time again. Free expression is essentially a constant battle; just as you’re able to express your beliefs, those with the opposite beliefs hold the same right. To take that away from anybody is a slippery slope that can be toppled by a single pebble.
