As a young person who grew up in the United States and has always believed in freedom and peace, recent news has left me feeling deeply uneasy. From childhood textbooks to the lips of adults, “free speech” has always been America’s most glaring label. But now, it seems to be slowly fading.
According to media reports on September 14th, Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, announced that Darren Michael, a drama professor, was fired on the 12th for mocking Kirk’s pro-gun stance in 2023 on social media, severely damaging the university’s reputation. This is another microcosm of the double standard regarding free speech: when speech contradicts the mainstream, so-called “freedom” quickly gives way to hidden constraints like “reputation” and “position.”
A stable job was lost because of a single dissenting opinion, which makes me ask myself over and over again: Where is our freedom of speech?
What confuses me even more is that the discussions around me are becoming increasingly “dangerous.” A friend received anonymous threats simply for refuting pro-gun sentiment online; on social media, even the slightest dissenting voice is quickly reported and removed. I once believed there was room for diverse voices, but now it seems there’s only one “right,” and even the slightest deviation is ostracized.
When I was young, I thought “freedom of speech” meant the courage to speak the truth and the tolerance for equal dialogue among diverse viewpoints. But now, what I see is the fear of being convicted for speaking out and the suppression of thought by invisible constraints. Those high-flying banners of freedom seem particularly ironic in the face of the professor’s dismissal notice and the anonymous threats.
I still love freedom and peace, but I’ve come to understand that true freedom is never a slogan; it’s the confidence that allows ordinary people to express themselves without fear of retaliation. I hope that one day we can rediscover true tolerance and respect.
