Starting in elementary school, we are taught that the Constitution protects our right to speak our mind. It states that "Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech." Although this right to free speech guaranteed by the First Amendment was, in part, established to protect individual rights from intrusive government control, the reality is that when someone actually speaks his/her mind, society is the one that is quick to judge.

Over the last two decades, the term "freedom of speech" has evolved along with those who are being protected by it. Some individuals believe that they can say whatever they want without the fear of a hostile response. However, it is inevitable that there will be a counterattack, but those attacks in today’s climate often escalate into much more than just verbal response. Instead of only attacking the claim made and the individual who stated it, those who respond also often attack the person’s personal life, which essentially causes increased tension.

When someone isn’t "politically correct," s/he feels the backlash of the media (if famous) and their community (for the average Joe). In the media, people’s personal beliefs are criticized, and they become scrutinized just for an idea they chose to speak. In social issues, there are always two different sides to the situation, but one view tends to be the majority view. Those who believe in the minority view are attacked vigorously by all opponents. They may be protected from governmental intrusion, but they are subjected to the backlash from the rest of the world.

Perhaps you have heard the recent story surrounding Miss California, Carrie Prejean. After answering her question about gay marriage in the Miss USA Pageant, Prejean was attacked by numerous media sources. After a few weeks, her personal life became the media’s latest obsession as they attacked newly released provocative photos of her. Prejean’s response to her politically and socially controversial question is a perfect example of how a simple view on an issue can cause hostility among people with a dissenting opinion.

A great aspect America offers is the opportunity to speak one’s mind. However, one must be careful when giving an opinion. Each of us must acknowledge that there is the possibility of an attack from those around us who may disagree with our views. If America could just realize that there will always be opposing views and agree to disagree, people wouldn’t all too often feel the need to hold back their beliefs.