Natalie Youssef

Free Words, Free Society

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees every
American the right to speak freely, to peacefully assemble, and to protest
government actions or policies. It also guarantees a free press. Freedom of speech
and expression is the fundamental basis for any open and democratic society.
Without it, government officials can make decisions without considering the will of
the people. America is, and has been from its founding, a democratic society. Free
speech, as it is practiced and protected in the United States, serves as an example for
other nations. It is imperative that Americans have a clear understanding and in-
depth knowledge of our right to freedom of speech, or we will not be able to utilize
or protect these rights.
Some Americans take simple rights such as freedom of speech, education,
and voting for granted, especially if those rights have always been available. In a
country such as Afghanistan, where the Taliban imposes Sharia law on its citizens,
such liberties are not available to the average citizen. Sharia is an Islamic law that
has served as one of the main ways to impose the historic Muslim faith.
Unfortunately, this law sometimes violates what are now generally considered basic
human rights. Women struggle to speak freely, and are not allowed an education.
Under Taliban rules, women risk being killed if they speak openly about subjects
that the Taliban considers controversial or inappropriate for women.
Such oppression caused Malala Yousafzai, an outspoken student activist in
Afghanistan, to stand up for her right to speak freely about the need for education
for women. She was shot and seriously injured for trying to attend school. She has
continued to speak out about the plight of education in Afghanistan, revealing
among other things that the Taliban has already blown up hundreds of schools, and
no one has tried to stop them. Malala speaks for the women of Afghanistan who are
afraid to speak for themselves but hope to someday live freely in their country. In an
address to the United Nations, Malala, referring to Sharia law, said, [An] ideal that
goes against the rights of women is unacceptable. We cannot all succeed when half
of us are held back.
I Am Malala has motivated many people to join the fight. This book in itself is
a testament to the power of free speech. It is dedicated to children all over the
world who have no access to education, to those teachers who bravely continue
teaching, and to anyone who has fought for their basic human rights and education.
Malalas book has been translated into 38 languages and is an international best
seller. When Malala spoke at the United Nations she said, We believe in the power
and strength of our words. Our words can change the whole world.
In the Opinion section of the Durango Herald, the First Amendment is
published to remind readers of their constitutional rights including freedom of
speech. Throughout the Opinion section letters by ordinary citizens are published,
sharing opinions on topics from discrimination to problems with government
policies. Although Malala has not succeeded in establishing such accepted liberties
in her country, she has generated awareness and discussion that could potentially
move her country toward a democracy in which these rights are protected.
Malala has inspired many Americans to examine the First Amendment. Part
of understanding and valuing these rights is realizing that they do not exist in many
countries, and recognizing the effects on a society without them. If Americans do not
constantly practice their freedom of speech in school and in their daily lives, these
rights may vanish. Political leaders in other countries may fear free speech because
they may be mocked or exposed. Resistance by fearful leaders presents a serious
obstacle to gaining these rights in countries where they do not currently exist.
Students in America have the freedom to speak about Malala and write about
issues in her country. I share my opinions without fear of reprisal, which is a
beginning to understanding and exercising my right to free speech. Students have,
over the decades, powerfully influenced American politics, by protesting, speaking,
and writing about issues. As Americans, it is important to support individuals in
other countries who fight for freedom of speech. By standing alongside Malala,
students can help change the world.
In America, the First Amendment serves as a blue print for personal
freedom. In listening to and reading Malalas passionate words, Americans are
reminded of the profound value of freedom of speech. They see the societal
devastation, inequality, and oppression that exist in countries where it is absent.
Malala is an example of how just one voice, even one that has been told it is of no
value, can speak out against wrongs and mobilize others to create a better society.





Bibliography

Yousafzai, Malala, and Christina Lamb. I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood up for
Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.