Freedom of speech in the United States is turning into a privilege, not a right.
We live in an era where being open-minded is celebrated, but a lot of times we don’t practice what we preach, including myself. Whenever we hear opposing views, the immediate response is to become uncomfortable and defensive. Free speech should be having authentic, intellectually honest conversations, rather than attempting to silence those who disagree with us. Way too often, free speech is only accepted when it aligns with the majority’s opinions. I recently did something very risky, something a lot of people in my situation wouldn’t have done; I wrote an article endorsing Donald Trump to be the next president of the United States. In fact, I didn’t necessarily want to write the article in the first place. I was asked by my journalism teacher, Sarah Ward, because she thought I might be able to provide a different perspective from my peers. This idea was enlightening, I initially told her my fears and worries, and she was completely understanding if I didn’t want to. However, that day, I went home and told my mom about the idea, she was head over heels. I couldn’t not write that article. I knew my writing would spark conversation. However, I carefully framed my arguments so that I wouldn’t be disrespectful to anyone with opposing opinions, and I had thoroughly researched the topic.
I was ready to be ridiculed, but since the article’s publication, people have since stopped speaking to me, and I have been called “a cultist,” “uneducated,” “racist”, and “homophobic.” As well as, I, a 16-year-old high schooler, have been trash-talked by my friends’ parents. However, most shockingly, I was told to kill myself, and I’d become a rapist after high school. On November 5th, 2024, Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States. Living in a blue town in a blue state, meant a sadder school, fewer smiling faces, less energy throughout the halls, and of course, people essentially hazing others for their beliefs. The backlash almost began instantaneously. Instead of having civilized conversations, at school, I was scolded. Not with counterarguments, but with hatred and disgust. This experience has led me to the difficult question: Is free speech as respected as we claim? This article isn’t solely about politics. It is about the idea of freedom of speech, and the real conditions that come with it. Ideally, everyone has the right to free speech. However in many circumstances, if an opinion that differs from the traditionally accepted narrative is released, responses are often out of straight hostility, rather than polite disagreements. Freedom of speech isn’t just about your legal obligations, it also falls in the narrow window of cultural norms and your community’s societal values. So, I’ll continue to write and speak, even with the constant disrespect I may get, and I encourage others to do the same for any cause you believe is important. Because real freedom of speech is more than just tolerance. Our democracy needs the willingness to protect others with alternative opinions; no matter how much we try to silence people.
