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[Abraham Ozo]

“If liberty means anything, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” ~George Orwell
 
According to Iowa State University, free speech is the right to articulate opinions and ideas without interference, retaliation, or punishment from the government. This implies that one has the right to say whatever one wants to say without getting interrupted or punished.
 
But in today’s world, is free speech really free?
 
We have witnessed police officers brutally assault peaceful protesters. People have been hated for expressing their views on controversial issues. Celebrities and top figures have gotten canceled because of statements they made or tweeted. All these oppose the core principle of free speech. Free speech should be free. One does not have to like it or enjoy it, but you should not tell people how they should air their opinions.
 
According to Wikipedia, free speech and expression have a long history that predates modern international human rights instruments. Its benefits cannot be overemphasized. Free speech has been the key to change. Civil rights, women’s suffrage (the right to vote), and minority rights are all the benefits of free speech. Without free speech, the government will be left unchecked, leading to an authoritarian or dictatorial style of government. We all know how bad it ends. Free speech creates a fair chance for everyone to be creative. It encourages the diversification of ideas.
 
On the other hand, free speech can push acceptable boundaries. What do we do in cases like these? Do you deny people their right to express themselves because it hurts some people? The answer is a big NO! As Justice Louis Brandeis famously stated, “The remedy to be applied is more speech, not enforced silence.”
 
As libertarians, we must uphold the Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) and allow people to exercise their free speech peacefully, whether we agree with their point of view or not. We must not exert or initiate any form of force against another individual’s freedom of speech because it is a form of aggression against the person’s liberty. You must defend free speech in all its forms, even when the expressed ideas are offensive or controversial. As libertarians, we must always remember that the right to free speech is universal; it cannot be contingent on the speech's content or the speaker's popularity. As Noam Chomsky would say, “If you believe in freedom of speech, you believe in freedom of speech for views you don’t like.”
 

[Borneo]

Free speech is fundamental to democracy and human rights, as it allows the free exchange of ideas and holds power accountable. George Orwell’s quote highlights that true liberty involves defending speech that challenges or discomforts us. While laws may protect free speech in theory, the reality is more complex in today’s world.

Instances of censorship, “cancel culture,” and violent crackdowns on protests reveal the tension between free expression and societal norms. The right to free speech, as defined by institutions like Iowa State University, is meant to protect individuals from government retaliation, but social consequences have blurred this protection. Celebrities and public figures facing backlash for controversial views exemplify this challenge. Though public accountability is important, it should not devolve into silencing dissent.

Historically, free speech has been pivotal for progress. Movements for civil rights, gender equality, and other social reforms relied on the ability to voice unpopular opinions. Without it, authoritarianism thrives, stifling creativity and innovation. Justice Brandeis’ argument that more speech—not censorship—is the solution underscores the importance of debate and dialogue over suppression.

However, free speech does not absolve individuals from responsibility. It must be exercised within the framework of the Non-Aggression Principle (NAP), respecting others' rights while promoting peaceful discourse. Offensive speech should be met with counterarguments, not forceful suppression. Upholding free speech means defending even unpopular or uncomfortable ideas, as Noam Chomsky emphasizes.

Ultimately, true freedom of expression transcends personal agreement with the content. It is a commitment to the principle that all voices, regardless of popularity or controversy, deserve to be heard.