The 8th Value: Protect Dissent

Number 8: Protect Dissent, as coined by Steve Shiffrin, refers to the value of safeguarding the right to disagree with the norm. This emphasizes the individual’s opinion without fear of discipline. 

Many might misquote the First Amendment saying, "I have the freedom to say whatever I want." Which, alright, in Layman's terms, that is correct. Immediately, "Protect Dissent" enters the conversation when the Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech." A person may constitutionally speak whatever they so wish, and the government is not permitted to penalize you.

In addition, each other clause of the First Amendment, "from religion," "of religion;" "press;" "to assemble," "to petition." also are representations of protecting dissent. These six clauses invite conversations that otherwise would not be conducted to happen.

Protecting Dissent directly fosters a healthy democratic nation. Institutional accountability is ensured when pedestrians are encouraged to criticize their government whether their opinion falls under the majority or minority. Furthermore, officials are able to disagree with each other, suppressing opportunities for the tyranny of authoritarianism. 

As cited by the Freedom House's 2024 "Freedom in the World" report, several countries including Mexico and South Africa were plagued by electoral manipulation, in favor of undemocratic governance. This includes high profile assassinations of at least 17 left-leaning party members of 31 total assassinations during the 2023-24 electoral period. These affairs mean state officials would go so far to withold free speech (and all that goes along with it) by taking the lives of democratic candidates. This not only removes political oppoisition from running, but sends a distinct message to supporting party members and citizens.

Should these countries protect the Dissent Mindset, political awareness could flourish, theoretically helping the nation's people. However, that is not always in the cards for their political heads. I digress. 

Valuing dissenting opinions prohibits the creation of echo chambers and propaganda, affecting everyone from national-scale to everyday families. The examples previously mentioned illustrate the national level; however, family levels are illustated by a familial head prohibiting the use of internet or strict friend circles. This is also known as "helecopter parenting."

These echo chambered families may lead to autocratic HOA or PTA's which may infringe on the quality of life for their respective homeowners and students. Ergo, certain oppertunities/ideals may be restricted. This may lead to withholding of information. As examplified by curent events regarding book banning and restrition of diction in schools, the democratic public does not react well.

In light of equality, this does however mean that hate speech must be tolerated. Regardless of constructiveness, accuracy, or etiquette, purely mean speech that may offend is also protected under the same first amendment—with the exception of the intent to incite and true threats.

To have a purely fair and just society, there must be a balance between both. Favorism is not justified by protecting dissent.

To conclude, the 8th value, to protect dissent, is a vital value for citizens which is protected by the first amendment and upheld by many democratic nations.