Freedom of Expression

Have you ever seen a person passing by and thought, “Wow, she’s so pretty/he’s so handsome,”
and you are just there staring into space with their faces lingering on your mind and somehow develop a
slight crush? If yes, it’s because we have our own ability to express our thoughts, ideas, and emotions.
As a young kid, we often voice out our thoughts. That is why they say that, “kids don’t lie” when asked
about who is the most handsome uncle. As kids, we are not afraid to speak our minds because we don’t
have the fear of the impact of the words but nothing is wrong with that. However, as we grow older and
discover the movement of our society, we learn how to manipulate our expressions. We learn how to
express our insights.

Most young people now know their right to express their thoughts that will benefit them but is
afraid on how to, thinking that people would judge and degrade them. Before the school year started,
students were shouting, hoping that the government will listen to them, demanding for an Academic
Freeze because a lot of students will be left out. Not all of them are privileged to have a stable internet
connection and own a laptop or even a cellphone. Even teachers have to adjust and learn about our
advanced technology but as you’re seeing this video right now, I guess you can tell their response.

We voice out our rights but they continuously shut us down. We know within ourselves that we
will not stop just because the government silences us even when people say that we are ungrateful and
demanding. We know our rights and we should stand by it. Article III Bill of Rights Section 4 says, “No
law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the
people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”

Even Princess Jasmine who was forced to act upon society’s rules and standards fought for her
right to be herself without anyone making decisions for her. Don’t be afraid about the multiple pairs of
eyes that will lay on you as you speak for yourself. You know yourself more anyone else. Big waves will
come and come at you. People will turn and turn away from you but that doesn’t mean you will stop
from voicing out your thoughts. Yes there will be circumstances but those are just temporary. Know
your rights and help other people voice out their expressions as you help yourself.