Amendment's Abuse a Slap in Face

Ariel Boehnlein
Copy Editor, the North Star

“Freedom of speech” is one of the most overly used phrases in America. Its positive connotations show that America gives its citizens rights that many countries don’t allow. Some even consider our freedom evil. However, more recently, especially in fights with authority, the phrase has been turned into a scapegoat and an excuse for boorish behavior.

This practice is becoming more and more prevalent, especially among teenagers. People think that “freedom of speech” is a pass to be rude and even threatening because it’s their right as an American. Although those who cry, “but it’s my right,” are legally correct and can’t be persecuted, it’s a shame that people believe it’s okay to take advantage of such a precious gift.

Americans should appreciate their First Amendment rights because we're extremely lucky. Countries all over the world, especially those in the Middle East, have officials who will punish, imprison or even kill those who speak against their authority.

In America, more or less of all the First Amendment’s sections are taken for granted. Even though government officials claim that God has a great power of influence over them, Americans are able to choose their religion, if any, and express it in a safe manner. Nevertheless, many people disregard this and say that they’re being denied the freedoms and rights that they deserve. Yet, non-Islamic as well as Islamic people are executed for not recognizing their country’s God. Obviously, that isn’t the case in America.

The next section of the First Amendment is freedom of press. While it can be argued that publications have every right to print something, even if it's controversial or harmful to a person’s reputation, tabloids defame their subjects simply for money with no regard to the subject’s privacy rights. Again, they have the freedom to publish what they wish but they’re taking advantage of that right when they publish false information, or pay sources to give them desirable, possibly even false, quotes.

Instances such as this, along with many other cases of First Amendment abuse, occur daily and are a slap in the face to James Madison, the original creator of the Bill of Rights, and all of those who do get persecuted for what they say in countries less fortunate than our own. Our rights are something that should be cherished and appreciated, not abused and disregarded.