Freedom of expression, whether by word of mouth, the printed page or motion pictures, is one of the most valuable of human heritages that has come to us from our forefathers who struggled for freedom and liberty. Freedom of expression means freedom of thought, freedom of conscience; freedom of expression must mean not alone to say the pleasing things, freedom of expression must mean the right to voice the unpleasant as well and must admit of new thoughts, new ideas, new concepts, penetrating the horizon of dogmatic institutions and fixed beliefs.
With the development of the radiograph, the power and extensiveness of the human voice has been largely amplified. Where only those immediately within the sound of the speaker's voice could be influenced heretofore, today through the marvel of human ingenuity hundreds of thousands of people, while resting at ease and comfort in their homes and by their firesides situated at distances greatly apart can hear the speaker's voice and expression. This development has given great importance to the right of freedom of oral expression.
The power and extensiveness of the printed word have likewise developed into larger areas of influence. Through wireless telegraphy current events of the world have keen speedily transmitted to all peoples in practically the same period of time. The remarkable improvements in printing methods and processes supplemented by educational facilities which promote reading this method of human expression, has grown by leaps and bounds. Printing as a method of expression has been given an importance never reached before and has added greatly to the value of the right to free and uncensored press.
A more recent and likewise far reaching method of human expression has been in the form of motion pictures. Like the printed picture it is a language that is understandable to all, a method of communication that is universal in its application. This picture method of expression is, therefore, peculiarly valuable as a teaching instrumentality, a propaganda agency and a most effective means of entertainment. It too, has reached the stage of importance in human affairs where censorship over this method of expression is fraught with grave clangers. ~From Matthew Woll at The American Photo-engraver 1922
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The eighteenth century saw the rise of successive champions of freedom of speech and of the press. Milton, Voltaire, Wilkes and Paine were the leading fighters and they had a ready reception in the American colonies which were becoming ripe for the American Revolution. "Give me liberty or give me death", said Patrick Henry one of the pioneers of American freedom. Political freedom was known to be the only way to secure freedom of expression.
In fighting for "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness", the Founding Fathers of the U.S. Constitution almost forgot to make freedom of expression secure but recognised it early by the first amendment to the Constitution. Men like Jefferson knew the history of censorship and intellectual tyranny and were afraid that Congress in the exercise of its undoubted authority over other matters, might set up a censor, suppress newspapers and punish critics. ~ M. CHALAPATHl RAU (Women on the March 1973)
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...I want to urge that our search for a better system in these United States should be pursued without destroying freedom of speech and press. Here is one of our most cherished and most important rights. We must be very vigilant to repel any attack upon it. If we can preserve freedom of speech and press there is no possibility of foisting either fascism or communism upon our people. If these go dictatorship comes. Then the liberties of the American citizen will have a place only in the books of history. The true American will be quick to defend these rights. He will be alert against oath laws and other measures which spring from the same stem. And right here let me say that complete control over the press and the radio is one thing we should never grant to the government. Let the government by all means have full power to inform the people of its measures and its point of view, but let there be the fullest possible chance for the criticism of it. Only thus can our freedom be preserved. ~Edmund B. Chaffee 1900
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It's still popular for people to say they support freedom and freedom of speech - but the freedom to express your opinions so long as other people agree with you or so long as they don't consider your opinions to be 'unacceptable' or 'offensive,' is not real freedom of speech.
If we have principle and integrity, then we must be prepared to defend the freedom of speech of people we vehemently disagree with. When our society celebrates the right of people to express whatever racist, sexist, homophobic or anti-Islamic opinions they wish - only then will we be living in an enlightened society that truly values our freedoms. ~A Young Intellectual's Guide to Freedom By Robert Jameson
See also Rowan Atkinson on England and Freedom of Speech
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