Freedom of Speech in America represents one of the fundamental rights that Americans are granted. This freedom ensures that every American can voice their opinion with out fear of reprisals from the government. In other countries such as China, their citizens can be arrested for voicing their opposition to the government or its policies. However in America, Freedom of Speech is not boundless but has restrictions. For example in America during the 20th Century the Ku Klux Klan, once powerful and popular, was being fought by the government who charged many of its members for violating the civil rights of their victims. Today individuals and organizations can voice their opinions but are restricted from threatening or hate speech. However while America grants these rights to their citizens it is not so else where in the world. In China the Communist government has implemented censorship only allowing news stations to advertise what news the government allows. In the news article Chinese Authorities Block Online Articles About June 4th Massacre the Chinese government recently blocked online sources that discussed the June 4th Massacre. After the death of Hu Yaobang, the leader of the Chinese Communist Party, in April 15, 1989 mass protests erupted, the most famous occurring at Tiananmen Square. These protests were a student led democracy movement. The Chinese Communist Party then viciously squashed the protesters, killing according to the Chinese government 200 to 300 people. However the Chinese Red Cross estimates that 2,000 to 3,000 were killed. As in 1989, Chinese citizens are still subjected to censorship and their activities and views monitored. In this news article, Chinese citizens are prohibited to search these and other articles. The Communist government has censored such sites to ensure public knowledge is only what the government wants so that appraisals are kept to a minimum. However such censorship continues to spark anger among Chinese citizens who call for democracy. Those of us who are fortunate to live in America should value these rights that have been granted to us. Sometimes we forget how good we have it here in America and we forget that many are suffering from things that we take for granted. Freedom of Speech is very important and impacts our lives everyday. With out Freedom of Speech our lives and America would have turned out very differently.
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/15651/
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
You almost cant blame the world for thinking Americans are arrogant. We have all the freedom we could ever want, yet dont realize it until we get in trouble abroad. I am also fascinated by the Chinese government, and have thought it was interesting that the people protesting in 1989 at tienanmen square were students our age. They obviosuly want what we have and are willing to die for it.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to me that not a lot of people, especially our age, are not educated on this issues and events. While yes, our freedom of speech is not boundless, it is clear to see that most, if not all, the restrictions placed on our speech is for the safety of the individual and the nation. In other countries, speech is restricted in order for the government to maintain their control and manipulation of the people. It is a lot easier to use deviant tactics in manipulating individuals if the individuals are not educated and aware of other lifestyles, schools of thought, etc.
ReplyDeleteI never thought to appreciate my freedom of speech as much as I have before reading your blog. I sometimes feel ignorant while reading some of our classmates blogs. I didn't realize how strict communist China is and the fact that even the media is so under control. I agree that many Americans take our freedoms for granted. That is why it is so important, like Cynthia said, to educate people in the classroom about issues around the world.
ReplyDelete"Liberty is meaningless when the right to utter one's thoughts and opinions has ceased to exist. That, of all rights, is the dread of tyrants. It is the right which they first strike down." Frederick Douglass; speech, Boston; 1860
ReplyDelete