Free Speech Is the Constitutional Right of the Citizen - Essay Example

A very popular case of a Christian student of a public school, wearing a tee-shirt proclaiming ‘Homosexuality is shameful’ was found offensive by the school and illegal constitutionally by the federal court. The main reason cited by the judges was that it offended the sensibilities of the minority, in this case, that of sexual orientation, and that ‘it interfered in their learning’. The reaffirmation of the illegality of the student’s case raised many pertinent cases and the main point of the case remained the wide scope of free speech. Does declaring one’s point of mind or personal preferences should be constituted as illegal and if that is so, what is the relevance of freedom of speech as awarded by the 1st amendment of the Constitution? 

     In the present time, freedom of speech is being taken as a fashion statement. While exerting their right of expression by words or deeds, people must ensure that their freedom does not impinge on somebody else’s rights and in any way violate their sense of self-esteem, religiosity, or as stated sexual orientation. Freedom of speech is universally accepted as a right for free expression so long as it is confined to themselves and nonoffensive to others.

     It is equally true that people have been exercising this right for a long time for peaceful purposes through various means like media, public speeches, debates, etc. The controversial issues, being discussed publicly and hotly debated on public platforms, have produced some highly relevant results, favored by the masses. Controversy, at times, becomes necessary for the dissemination of information which is so necessary for the resolution of disputed issues and controversial topics.

     On the other hand, speeches by the radical groups and terrorists outfits are intended to be inflammable and words are deliberately chosen to hurt a targeted public to incite them to a violent response. The misuse of the freedom of speech, in such manners by some vested interests, has long-term repercussions not only for the state but their impact on public life can be lingering with dangerous outcomes.