Annotated Bibliography

After a serious stay in the library doing research for my annotated bibliography, I realized how much the library can do for you. I have found many books and a whole section focused on freedom of speech and events concerning it. I am beginning to make some real progress on my research paper and I feel the annotated bibliography will help me even more. Starting research early and getting a head start makes me feel accomplished. As I read more, I'm starting to realize how deep the issue really goes and how time has affected views and legislation. Technology has perhaps played the biggest role in creating new issues and standards concerning freedom of speech. With each day there is a new aspect to considered there is always an argument for and against it.

Love that Reggae music

Anyone who has ever been to a concert can understand the feeling. There is a tangible connection between the music and the people. Music, along with other forms of art, is the one of the best ways to exercise freedom of expression. Musicians cannot be discriminated for create music, nor can it be banned from society. Music is used to express ideals, feelings, and religious beliefs among many other things. It is one thing that allows people to create who they are through a different portal. Reggae music is a genre that promotes equality and self expression by using just that. It connects people of all races and backgrounds just as all music, but on top of that sends a message of positive attitude and acceptance of true self. This message inspires millions to be and express who they are without fear of what others may think. This intimidates much of the mainstream society because much of what reggae music stands for goes against government policies and religious beliefs. However, reggae itself is part of a religion; one that could considered the most true of them all. If you care to search the term "Rastafari" it can explain much of this. The message is this: Be true, and love without condition no matter what way something is expressed or displayed in the world.

Censorship in Schools

The question I am asking is: When we practice censorship in schools, are we protecting our students, or hurting them by limiting their exposure to certain things? Censorship can be practiced in many ways. In school it can include the banning of books, dress codes, or the withholding of ideals and information. If a book gets banned or an ideal dismissed, that then poses the question of why. If a student cannot get the answer, it could make him or her inclined to try to figure it out on their own. So should we be more concerned about trying to keep the information away from students, or is it possible to discuss objectionable material in groups and present it in a respectable manner? Dress codes imply that a general conformity is desired. Certain styles of dress are offensive to different people so if everyone in a school dresses somewhat the same there is less room to discriminate. But this is done at the cost of a person's individuality. If we say someone has to dress a certain way then we limit their expression of who they are. So, is there more potential harm if we do not practice censorship, or is it ultimately a negative aspect of school systems today?

S/A/R

The summary/analysis/response essay presented a new challenged for me. I do not have much experience writing argumentative essays and it was beneficial to write this type of paper. The article I read was interesting and provided some facts that I did not know. The article backed up many of my views on free speech. I learned about my writing style and felt like I was able to refine it to the S/A/R format. Hopefully I can continue to progress throughout the semester and learn more about the free speech and my writing skills.

The High Cost of Free Speech

http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy.lib.odu.edu/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=112&sid=3092916a-54e0-4c20-9ca4-b8efddf825bc@sessionmgr110&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=f5h&AN=6058560

-The article is a PDF file at the bottom of the page

Freedom of Speech Issue #1

How many times has a celebrity been frowned upon for making some sort of crazy, inappropriate statement? Too often are celebrities hated on up for letting words slip or actions fly. The media holds such a watchful eye on celebrities that the most minor mistakes are often caught on film or picture. We say these people are role models and should act respectively, but shouldn't we be role models as well? How often does a civilian's angered words reach national television? We place a spotlight on celebrities without realizing they are real people. We watch their "lives" on our televisions but we don't realize that they have lives of their own. How many average men and women would be willing to let cameras follow them wherever they go? The media covers celebrities as if they are just waiting for the drama. Every person deserves their privacy once in a while. My solution to this is the general public needs to stop worrying about what the famous people are doing and solve their own conflicts instead of calling out others.

freedom of speech-what it means to me

For my first post I want to outline what the phrase means to me. According to the 1st amendment, freedom of speech is supposed to protect much more than just language and conversation. To me, freedom of speech is the right to be myself, regardless of what friends, family or even the government may permit. But as to almost every rule, there can be exceptions. My personal belief is that freedom of speech should not extend so far as to abridge someone elses freedom of speech. We are all guaranteed the same rights in this world and each person should be able to do and choose as they please. What I've obeserved is that quite often people give up their freedom of speech and let others make decisions for them. When someone has decisions made for them, they forget how to speak freely and be themselves, and this is a tragic thing. Going further, there are people who get so caught up speaking for other people that they forget how to speak for themselves! Freedom of speech is required to create true individuals.