Everybody takes things for granted. It is human nature, I suppose, to be handed something and then just assume it will always be there. We, as Americans, have grown accustomed to certain elements of luxury in our lives to the point where we just accept them and assume they will always be there.
While walking around South Campus the other day, I came across a “free expression” board that was situated near one of the Peterson Hall buildings. From what I could gather, it is set up so students can write a message of their choosing — anonymously — and say what is on their mind.
I don’t know what club sponsored this because I was in a bit of a rush and couldn’t examine it in-depth, but in clear letters the title “free expression” was proudly displayed at the top of the board. And it made me smile.
What better place to express yourself than at an institution of higher learning? Conversely, what right do we enjoy and take for granted more than freedom of speech?
I’ve been writing for the Daily 49er for longer than most of you probably recall, and I feel lucky to be a part of such a great publication. Every week, I basically have a forum to write about what angers me, saddens me and makes me hopeful.
Judging by the comments that people leave on the Daily 49er’s Web site, a lot of people don’t exactly like what I have to say much of the time.
I’ve grown accustomed to being simultaneously hated and liked, and when people write a scathing post online because of something I wrote, I always read them with an open mind.
One argument, however, invariably always seems to come up within the posts of my detractors — that I am somehow passing off my thoughts as gospel, and that I am always “wrong” because me and my readers often simply share a different point-of-view.
The free marketplace of ideas is, for all intents and purposes, the crux of our society and what makes this country so great. It also makes the world go ‘round. Where else is this truly evident than on a college campus as diverse and varied as Cal State Long Beach?
I disagree, for instance, when the Muslim Student Association invited unabashed anti-Semite and hate-speech orator Amir Imam Abdul Malik Ali to speak on campus in 2006. I find this man to be a piece of human trash, and I would think that the MSA would practice better judgment. After all, in the end, they are just making themselves look bad.
But because I disagree with their choice of speaker doesn’t really matter. You see, the concept of free speech covers even — gasp! — speech that I don’t agree with.
In fact, one person disagreeing with another group or person is proof-positive of the power of free speech. In some countries, this simple act of disagreeing isn’t even allowed.
In the end, what occurs on this page is “opinion” and only that, just as what is written on the “free expression” board is simply the opinion or word of someone else. This concept should never be taken for granted.
Before I sign off for now, I’d like to thank all of you who read my pieces this semester. Whether or not you agreed with my opinions, student newspapers like this one truly embody the free expression of ideas. With letters to the editor and comments on the Daily 49er Web site encouraged, it is easy to make your opinion known as well.
Free expression is crucial to the marketplace of ideas and the dissemination of information is a powerful thing in today’s society. Don’t be afraid to speak up and make your voice heard.
And for those of you who disagree with all I say, it’s all right. You will eventually realize I’ve been right all along — and I won’t even say, “I told you so.”
Gerry Wachovsky is a graduate student and a columnist for the Daily 49er.
