The First Amendment: How it Affects Me
As the Constitution states, The First Amendment was created to preserve the American citizens right to freely express themselves. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances”. The Founding Fathers wrote this Amendment with the intentions of preserving the essences of America, and the fight to always be a democracy. It is important to acknowledge that this is the First Amendment that was written by the Founding Fathers, showing that freedom of speech is the foundation of the Country.
The First Amendment applies to me because I am going into a field that will require me to constantly share my words through text or speech. Our current state of politics and government seem to be trying to control who has the right to practice the First Amendment, but it is important as an African American, to stay knowledgeable on the law and always feel comfortable expressing myself without feeling silenced. I also have a podcast, which a platform that requires me to share my opinions with my audience. I have to be truthful, yet respectful to the people that I speak on because anything can be considered slander or libel if not confirmed.
I abide by the First Amendment by practicing my freedom of speech and staying knowledgeable on how I can both practice my rights, as well as follow the guidelines. It is important to stay aware of the laws that affect First Amendment rights and what precautions I need to take and its effects on the masses. Referring back to the libel and slander, it is extremely important to be professional about how something as simple as what may be harmless conversation can be recorded and misperceived, resulting in crisis management and media clean-up.
As I get on the course of my career path, it is extremely vital to understand and implement my right to express myself freely. As I enter the Public Relations realm, it becomes more important to understand the First Amendment from the angel of a citizen as well as a future professional that will be representing others. As a Publicist, my job will require me to speak on behalf of others on a daily basis and understand what can be said with or without consequences is a requirement of the job. I currently have a Podcast, which is based on nothing but expressing my beliefs to the masses and exchanging opinions with the Public. Unfortunately, as the times go on, it seems as if the freedoms of expression are being suppressed and freedom of speech, religious expression and assembling seem to have stipulations. As times progress, social media has a way of misinterpreting words, therefore it will be my duty to make sure that whatever is said will represent my client or brand in the correct light. Overall, as a Publicist, I will have to be the one to monitor what is said and how it is perceived. This profession sometimes requires censorship but still promoting the freedoms of being vocal and opinionated without feeling limited.
Edna Maina 