PHILOSOPHY: An individual’s freedom of expression is of greater value than political correctness.

In the ‘60s, Lenny Bruce, a stand-up comedian known for deeply satirical and controversial routines, was repeatedly arrested for obscenity. His case sparked a nationwide debate about the limits of free speech and the role of political correctness in society. More recently Joan Rivers and Kevin Hart were targeted for things they said or tweeted, with Hart having to step down from hosting the Oscars in 2018. Is their freedom of expression more valuable than the standards of decency upheld or defined by the public? This raises a crucial question we are grappling with every day thanks to social media: what’s more important your freedom of expression or being politically correct?

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The debate between freedom of expression and political correctness is long-standing and deeply rooted in philosophical thought. John Stuart Mill, in his work “On Liberty,” argued that free speech is fundamental to the pursuit of truth and that silencing any opinion is wrong because it robs humanity of the opportunity to hear all perspectives. Meanwhile, political correctness—emerging in the late 20th century—aims to prevent language or actions that could offend marginalized groups, reflecting an effort to create a more inclusive and respectful society. This tension reflects a core question: Should the right to speak one’s mind outweigh the need to avoid causing offense?

This topic is particularly relevant in today’s society, where social media platforms amplify voices and make personal opinions more public than ever before. Debates over what can and cannot be said have far-reaching implications for education, workplace policies, public discourse, and even art. N.W.A., Public Enemy, and 2 Live Crew faced criticism for explicit lyrics and themes on their tracks. Critics argued the music was offensive and inappropriate, slapping them with Parental Advisory labels, while supporters saw it as a powerful form of free speech addressing real-world issues. Striking the right balance between protecting free speech and promoting respect for all individuals is a challenge that impacts everyone, influencing how we communicate and how we shape the world we live in.

Agree (3 points): An individual’s freedom of expression is of greater value than political correctness

1. Fundamental Right: Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic societies. It allows for the exchange of ideas, criticism of the government, and the advancement of knowledge. Restricting speech, even in the name of political correctness, sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to censorship and the suppression of dissent. As George Orwell famously warned in 1984, controlling language is a way to control thought.

2. Pursuit of Truth: Open dialogue, including controversial or offensive ideas, is essential for the pursuit of truth. When people are allowed to express themselves freely, society can challenge and refine its beliefs. Philosopher John Stuart Mill argued that even false ideas have value, as they encourage us to defend and better understand the truth. Censoring speech limits this process, potentially allowing falsehoods to go unchallenged. In modern times, we’re seeing echo chambers created by social media algorithms. Basically you’re fed the same content you engage with, meaning you’re rarely exposed to alternative perspectives.

3. Personal Autonomy: Individuals should have the right to express themselves, even if their views are unpopular or offensive. Freedom of expression is tied to personal identity and autonomy. It allows people to express their beliefs, values, and experiences. Political correctness can force individuals to conform to societal norms at the expense of their authenticity and freedom. A 2017 Cato Institute survey found 71% of U.S. citizens believe political correctness stifles important discussions. Labeling certain speech as "correct" or "incorrect" shuts down a healthy exchange of ideas. Interestingly, the same survey showed a majority opposed laws restricting hate speech, suggesting a desire for open discourse even when it includes offensive language.

Disagree (3 points): An individual’s freedom of expression is not of greater value than political correctness

1. Social Responsibility: With freedom comes responsibility. Words have power, and unchecked freedom of expression can lead to harm, such as hate speech or incitement to violence. Political correctness aims to create a respectful and i...