Freedom of expression refers to the ability of an individual or group of individuals to express their

beliefs, thoughts, ideas, and emotions about different issues free from government censorship.
(Freedom Forum Institute)

DemocracyTY - JOUR

AU - Çelik Ulusoy, Demet

PY - 2013/01/01

SP - 51

EP - 148

T1 - A Comparative Study of the Freedom of Expression in Turkey and EU

VL - 44

DO - 10.1501/Intrel_0000000287

JO - The Turkish Yearbook of International Relations

ER -

Freedom of expression is an important human right which is essential for a society to be democratic. It
enables the free exchange of ideas, opinions and information and thus allows members of society to
form their own opinions on issues of public importance. Freedom of expression serves public debate
and supports a free and independent press, informed citizenship and the transparent functioning of the
state. (Cilviktiesbugids)

Freedom of Expression is basic right that ensures people are allowed to express their opinions.They have
a right to say whatever they want . No has the right to stop them. You may not like some of the opinions
people voice but it is absolutely no reason to restrict freedom of speech. We can't even imagine a
society without freedom of speech I firmly believe that everyone has the right to express their thoughts
on things no matter how controversial it may be.

Freedom of speech is one of the principles the United States of America was built upon. It is a right that
everyone who is born here or steps foot on this land is given. However, many argue that freedom of
speech can go too far. My only question: How far is too far?

Everybody is different. Everybody has their own opinions, thoughts and beliefs that do not necessarily
coincide with the next person’s. Should one person’s beliefs be discounted or prohibited because it
offends someone else? I do not believe so. That goes against what the First Amendment to the
Constitution guarantees.
We as a people should not be subjected to termination because we disagree privately with a superior’s
decision. If we are not free to express our individual feelings, then what makes our working conditions
that much different than a slave who must adhere to his or her master’s feelings.

However, despite having to theoretically walk on egg shells at work, many people do indeed feel that
freedom of speech can go too far when it compromises another person’s rights or beliefs. But people
who cross the proverbial line are often met with people who demand consequences and repercussions.

Words are just words until they are put in a certain context. However, even words taken out of context
are just words and cannot be subjected to a banning every time it offends someone. The First
Amendment doesn’t take sides. Putting limits on freedom of speech only creates a slippery slope where
more and more beliefs and stances become censored, edited or never heard.

When a person or a corporation has the right of the

freedom of speech, then they are able to express any
opinion without restraint or censorship. This approach to
society is a democratic institution which dates back to the
ancient Greek culture.

In the United States, the First Amendment guarantees the right to free speech for all people. Through
this fundamental right, Americans have the freedom to protest, practice the religion they want, and
express opinions without worrying about the government imprisoning them for criticism. It was adopted
on December 15, 1971, as part of the Bill of Rights.

As with all modern democracies, even the United States places limits on this freedom. There are specific
limits placed on this principle that dictate what people can or cannot say legally. The First Amendment
does not specifically say what is or is not protected, but the Supreme Court has ruled that there are
some forms which are not allowed.

Here are the freedom of speech pros and cons to consider with this element as part of a democratic
society.

1. Freedom of speech protects each of us from the influence of special interests.

When people have power, then they do whatever they can to retain it for as long as possible. That may
include a change in the government’s constitution, a shift in a company’s Board of Directors, or the
suppression of a minority group that threatens the way of life for the people involved. Having the
freedom of speech reduces this power because it allows individuals to express criticism of those who are
in power. There is no fear of losing personal freedom with this right because your opinion contributes to
the overall conversation.

2. Freedom of speech eliminates compelled actions.

When you have the freedom of speech, then the government cannot compel your actions in such a way
that you are required to speak a specific message. You stay in control of what you say and how those
words are expressed to the rest of society. Even if the government attempts to alter your words to their
advantage, you will always have the opportunity to address the situation and correct the “mistakes” that
others create in your work.

3. Freedom of speech promotes the free exchange of ideas.

When a society operates in an area where free speech is given to all, then there is a more significant
exchange of ideas that occur. It becomes almost impossible for those who are in power to suppress
truths that they may not want to let out in the open. This process allows for progress to occur because
people can learn from the experiences and perspectives of one another without worrying about the
dogma of a “Big Brother” element in society, either corporate or government-based.

4. Freedom of speech can expose immoral or unlawful activities.

When Edward Snowden decided to leak numerous state secrets to the press, he created an interesting
question about the freedom of speech that we are still attempting to resolve in our society. Was such an
action inflicting damage against the legitimate actions of the government? Or was the information he
offered a way to bring light to actions that the government shouldn’t have been performing in the first
place? It is tricky to find the line which exists when you must protect information or protect others.
Having this right in society allows us to at least have that conversation.

5. Freedom of speech prevents the requirement to behave specific ways.

Some people today might say that any speech which someone finds offensive should be banned.
Imagine then that someone became offended by the mention of same-gender marriage – or the
opposite, that they were offended by the mention of opposite-gender marriage. Freedom of speech
allows people to make up their minds about what to share with others. Some people might be brazen
with their approach, but that also means they might not have as many friends because of their attitude.
6. Freedom of speech advances knowledge for a society.

When you have a chance to ask questions or share perspectives, then it creates more learning
opportunities in society. This right makes it easier for all individuals to make a new discovery, suggest
ideas, or exchange information freely without worrying about potential political consequences. Even if
some of the ideas do not work after you get to try them, the process of testing contributes to the
advancement of society as well. Thomas Edison famously made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at the
invention of the light bulb – each idea was a new step toward success.

7. Freedom of speech allows for peaceful changes in society.

Some people use their freedom of speech as a way to incite hatred or violence. Others use it as a way to
create the potential for peaceful change. Providing facts to individuals while sharing your opinion can
persuade them to consider your perspective, even if they do not agree with it at the time. When this is
your top priority with this right, then you are less likely as an individual to use violence as a way to
create change. Although this process requires patience from all of us to be successful, it will usually get
us to where we want to be.

8. Freedom of speech gives us an opportunity to challenge hate.

Peter Tatchell is a human-rights activist who suggests that the best way to move forward as a society is
to challenge the people who have differing views. He told Index in 2016 this: “Free speech does not
mean giving bigots a free pass. It includes the right and moral imperative to challenge, oppose, and
protest bigoted views. Bad ideas are most effectively defeated by good ideas, backed by ethics and
reason, rather than bans and censorship.

9. Freedom of speech creates resiliency.

Although exposing people to hate speech is hurtful and creates fear in some individuals, it also creates a
resiliency in the debate. Instead of making your voice louder when confronting these ideas, you are
improving your argument. When this action occurs, the action of observation and counter-observation
make it possible to create an outcome where progress toward the greater good occurs. When we lack
tolerance for differing, uncomfortable opinions, then it weakens the rights that so many people take for
granted when there is something that they want to say.