What is freedom of expression?

Does it have any value to me? How does it affect my daily life?

The freedom of expression that we have allows us to discuss ongoing current events in places such as Ferguson, Iraq and Syria, and Israel and Palestine. Americans are at liberty to defend a friend in times of trouble, support any political party, and speak their mind, forming individual opinions without the fear of persecution and punishment. Freedom of speech is extremely important in the lives of many and should be available to all people.

The horrific terrorist attacks on the Parisian offices of the Charlie Hebdo newspaper earlier this year remind all of us that there are people who do not support the many powerful abilities that freedom of expression gives us. I firmly believe that the material Charlie Hebdo had published in the years preceding the massacre pushed the boundaries in ethics and intolerance. They can be perceived as provocative, Islamophobic, obscene, and offensive. Despite this, people need to realize that everyone should be allowed to express their opinions, no matter how “wrong” or “right” they may be, without the fear of being imprisoned, humiliated, tortured, or even assassinated.

As a student journalist, I have come to understand that one of my most important rights is the right to free speech. I don’t have to agree with what Charlie Hebdo published to feel that the attack that killed twelve artists and columnists was immoral. While I am free to write about what I believe, there are other countries in our world that severely restrict and limit journalistic freedom.

The expression “Je Suis Charlie” is French for “I am Charlie.” Saying that “I am Charlie” does not mean that I condone the offensive material that is prevalent in Charlie Hebdo, but rather that I support the idealism that people should be allowed to express themselves freely without fear. Over the course of three days, seventeen innocent lives were lost, including both the victims of the Charlie Hebdo shooting and the subsequent anti-semitic attack on a Kosher grocery market, also located in Paris. Today, we honor the lives of the 17 victims and spread the message of love, tolerance, and freedom.

To sum it up: no matter what religion, race, gender or sexuality, every individual possesses the natural-born right to speak up and make a difference in their community. Learn to love others despite political, racial or cultural boundaries. Be loud, be assertive, and talk about your opinions. Please take advantage of your opportunity to speak up.