Freedom of speech can be given and taken away. Now what does that exactly mean? Bhutto had her freedom of speech taken away. Martin Luther King spoke his mind but was continuously broke down and told to stop speaking out. Douglass was learning to read and write, and his goal was to be able to be educated and then it was all taken away. All these people show how freedom of speech has affected them in their lifetime.
Bhutto exemplifies what freedom of speech should look like. Her use of words and her stance on freedom for all is something so dangerous to speak of in her country of Pakistan. Bhutto speaks about religion and the importance of using their religion right and speaks against extremists “Muslims believe in the sovereignty of God” (reconciliation). This quote shows her extreme courage for multiple reasons, such as her being a woman and speaking against extremists. Bhutto’s freedom of speech and life was taken away by terrorists that did not like what she had to say. Her heroism to speak for not only herself but for Pakistan and women across the world is inspiring.
Martin Luther King lived in a time where equality was not a thing. People would argue that it was as fair as it could get for black people, but King refused to take that treatment. King showed his use the of the second amendment through the scene in the movie Selma. In the scene King is shown talking to the president about racial segregation and King is trying to get the president to push for freedom of all people. The president tells King that it is not that bad and that he should wait. Hearing that King went full force into his plan of freedom. King had a way with words and used his speech to lead a movement. “First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate” (King 3). King was talking about the Christian community and how there is not a civil community between everyone. King used his speech for the good of all people and through that left a path for future leaders.
Douglass was a slave that was not able to read or write. He met the slave owner’s wife and she began to teach him to read and write. This education was going to allow him to find a better life in the North and allow himself to read what is happening in the news. His lessons were taken away and he began to feel defeated. His freedom of speech was taken away when the slave owners wife kept on muting him and taking his Newpapers away. Douglass thought outside of the box and kept the bread he would get and trade with the kids at the market place. He would give the bread to the kids in the market place and the kids would teach him how to read and write. Once he was able to read and write he was able to leave and speak for himself and what he went through. His freedom of speech was taken away and then he was able to fight through his battles and use his voice.
All three people are staples in what freedom of speech is. Bhutto risked her life to fight for freedom. Martin Luther King put his family and himself on line for the freedom of all people. And Douglass went secretly to learn to read and write. The diligence of these people is what is bringing change into the world. Freedom of speech is not something we should be taking for granted but instead using it every day, trying our hardest to bring change.
Maddys Thoughts 