The Power of Voice: an Inalienable Right

There are millions of people around the world living under conditions where their governments withhold fundamental human freedoms. Some are unable to practice the religion they hold dear, and others live in constant fear for their lives. Despite the myriad restrictions citizens of various countries face, no one should be compelled into silence. To "be free" means that everyone possesses the inherent right to raise their voices and act according to their beliefs. This essay explores the crucial role of freedom of speech, illustrated through historical speeches, personal narratives, and literary examples, to demonstrate why this right is indispensable for human dignity and societal progress.

To begin with, every human being has the natural right to freely convey their opinions and ideas. In Franklin D. Roosevelt’s State of the Union address, known as "The Four Freedoms" speech, he emphasizes the importance of speaking up for just causes. Roosevelt identifies four essential freedoms that should be granted to all individuals, with the first being the freedom of speech: "The first is freedom of speech and expression—everywhere in the world" (Roosevelt par. 275). By prioritizing this freedom, Roosevelt underscores its significance in allowing individuals to stand up for their beliefs. Regardless of the power wielded by governments, they lack the moral authority to silence their citizens, as everyone is born with the right to voice their opinions freely.

Moreover, Roosevelt exercises his own freedom of speech by urging American citizens to support endangered democracies. Acknowledging potential opposition to his war plans, he boldly addresses dissenters, stating, "The best way of dealing with the few slackers or troublemakers in our midst is, first, to shame them by patriotic example…" (Roosevelt par. 45). Though his words might offend those he targets, they effectively convey his stance. Roosevelt’s use of his platform to advocate for collective action highlights the power and necessity of freedom of speech in mobilizing societal change.

Similarly, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality, no one should be forced into silence. Malala Yousafzai’s "Speech at the United Nations" exemplifies the courage to speak for those silenced by oppressive regimes. Yousafzai shares her traumatic experience to illustrate the extremes some will go to suppress dissent: "Dear friends, on the ninth of October 2012, the Taliban shot me on the left side of my forehead… They thought the bullets would silence us" (Yousafzai par. 14). The Taliban's brutal attempt to silence an innocent girl underscores the lengths to which oppressive forces will go to stifle voices advocating for basic rights, such as education.

Despite this violence, Yousafzai's resolve only strengthens. She continues to advocate for those unable to speak for themselves, proclaiming, "We call upon all governments to fight against terrorism and violence; to protect children from brutality and harm" (Yousafzai par. 26). The Taliban’s attempt to weaken her voice, in reality, amplified it, transforming her into a global symbol of resilience. Her story demonstrates that, even when faced with severe repression, the drive to speak out and effect change remains undeterred.

Lastly, everyone around the world should be able to act upon their beliefs freely, as long as their actions do not harm others. Kurt Vonnegut’s short story, "Harrison Bergeron," presents a dystopian society where the government imposes equality by handicapping individuals. Harrison Bergeron, a fourteen-year-old accused of conspiring against the government, escapes confinement to champion the return of personal freedoms: "Harrison tore the straps of his handicap harness like wet tissue paper, tore straps guaranteed to support five thousand pounds" (Vonnegut par. 56). His defiance represents a rejection of governmental oppression, as he peacefully stands up for his rights without infringing on others.

However, the story takes a tragic turn when the Handicapper General enters with a gun, and Harrison and his fiancée are "dead before they hit the floor" (Vonnegut par. 79). Their deaths highlight the extreme measures some governments take to maintain control, even at the cost of innocent lives. Harrison’s fate underscores the imperative that everyone should have the right to express their beliefs freely, without fear of retribution, as long as they do so peacefully.

In conclusion, to "be free" means that we all possess the right to speak up and act according to our beliefs, a freedom that is not reserved for a select few but is inherent to all human beings. While some may think their lives are optimal, true fulfillment is unattainable if they are restricted from expressing their ideas and convictions. Strengthening international commitments to protect this fundamental right is essential for fostering a world where individuals can live with dignity and actively contribute to the betterment of society. No matter the obstacles, maintaining our voices and pursuing our goals ensures that we can never truly be silenced.

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