My Online Presence

                                     My Digital Footprint 

 

In today's blog, I will be discussing my online presence in social media. 

 

I remember when I was in the 6th grade and all my friends started to get phones. Apps like Snapchat and Instagram were fresh and new corresponding to the new iPhone releases, it was THE THING. I was the last of my friends to get a phone and almost instantly after getting it, there was like this overwhelming wave of peer pressure to download Snapchat and Instagram, of course, I gave in. I cringe just thinking of when I was trying to choose my usernames and what I wanted my page to look like on Instagram (ew). It's crazy to think that at the ages of 10 and 11 years old, kids (like my peers and I) had set up an online presence for themselves for the world to see. Today, I still use the same accounts I made back in 6th grade with Snapchat and Instagram. My original posts from when I was 11 years old are completely removed and I essentially "started my account over" without deleting it. My online footprint expands into Snapchat, Instagram, and Pinterest but that's about it. I was never a fan of Twitter and I do not own FaceBook. 

 

It's interesting to me how vast the content of Instagram can be- cooking accounts, celebrity accounts, news crews, pretty much anything you can think of is on Instagram, just search it. On my Instagram, my content consists of pictures with friends, my horse, fun trips, and even memories from High Point University. I have a "private account" so that I can control who sees my content (I have to approve individuals in order for them to see my page). It's kind of strange to me though because although someone might have a private account, you can easily type a first and last name into the search bar and boom! There's the person you were looking for. I've noticed it has been super easy to find people on Instagram because of High Point University, people will put "HPU" in their bio or you might share a friend that links you to various other people, it's a huge perpetual cycle. Without even following me, an individual could glance at my bio and gather that 1) I am a sophomore at High Point University 2) I am an equestrian, and 3) which high school I went to. It's pretty weird thinking about my own profile in the shoes of other people who don't know me. What I considered “vague” or basic information could actually be used to discover much more about me even if the person doesn't follow me or have any relation to me. 

 

Voluntarily, for security purposes, I have given Snapchat and Instagram my cell phone number and email in the event I forgot a password or needed to be alerted that my account was at risk of a breach (which has happened before and the alert was helpful). As far as providing my personal address, I avoid at all costs. It's weird because I'm sure if a big company like Instagram wanted to find my location it wouldn't be too difficult given just the three simple pieces of information I put in my bio. How comforting! 

 

I have in fact created a "fake" Gmail account to send spam emails from clothing companies or other purchases so that it would be more removed from my personal information especially if I was ordering from a website I didn't normally use. It comes in handy when signing up for subscriptions or things you generally don't need to see every day. 

 

So, I Googled myself and I was actually really surprised. There were many links with my high school track and field records, information about my time at my high school, pictures of my high school graduation, info about an award I won at my high school in a Twitter post, horseshow pictures, and even some articles I've written for High Point University's newspaper. WOW. I had no clue I had such a digital footprint on google. So even though I personally didn't post a lot of what I found on my Google search of myself, I was posted into the content of another individual's post. I guess not so private after all!

 

I have thankfully never posted anything of political charge, racism, or use of drugs or alcohol. However, I am no saint when it comes to cursing! Admittedly, I have posted a few bad words before to my main Instagram and Snapchat accounts (sorry mom). Honestly, I am pretty happy with the content that I have on Instagram and at this point and time in my life, I don't think there's anything I would want to edit or delete. The whole purpose of Instagram for me is to post pictures so I can remember the good memories I made during a certain time. I look at it as a platform to use to look back at how I've matured over time and the accomplishments I've made. I also would feel comfortable if a possible job looked at a Google search of myself, and I hope I always feel that way! I post things that I know are personal but appropriate to all audiences. I might have a private account but that doesn't mean someone can't screenshot and send my content to someone else. Always think before you post!!!!

 

https://www.snapchat.com/

https://www.instagram.com/

 

 

 

The Illusory Truth Effect (Final EOTC)

 The Illusory Truth Effect 

 

 

Hello! In my blog today, I will be discussing what the Illusory Truth Effect is, implications of it, and the meaning of it not just to me, but society as a whole. 

 

To begin, what is the Illusory Truth Effect? The Illusory Truth Effect (which is also known as the validity effect, truth effect, or illusion of truth effect) is an occurrence in which the repetition of a statement increases the belief that information is true even when it is false. The effect was first recognized in the 1977 study that took place at Temple University and Villanova University.

 

So why does the effect work? Reported by KUB's article, psychologist Lisa Fazio of Vanderbilt University explained that after hearing information a second and third time, your brain misinterprets the repetition as a signal for it being true. The fluency and frequency of the information you hear translates into a gut-feeling of truth.

I found this video from Veriasium to be explanatory and quite interesting regarding the Illusory Truth Effect, give it a watch! :

 

So, I've just defined this piece of information, why does it matter? It matters because believe it or not, you may be a victim of it daily through specifics such as company marketing techniques, politics, mass spread social media, and many other outlets in which the effect prevails. In simpler terms, The Illusory Truth Effect is also known as "fake news". This is in fact relevant to all of us given the dangers of it. A notable example of the effect most recently can be observed through fake news being spread about the COVID19 virus. Our information outlets heavily depend upon information outlets to provide us with accurate and well-presented information for the benefit of our safety but unfortunately, this has not remained consistently true. As seen in a study done by the British Medical Journal, 1 in 4 YouTube videos about the virus presented "inaccurate or misleading information". Put this in perspective - the world still has yet to fully understand the entirety of this virus, let alone when it will end, (if it will end) and our information outlets have provided misleading or false information. That's pretty alarming. Sure, people may agree that YouTube is not their most reliable source of information, but it is still a source and people obviously still believe the content. This is seen almost every day through how misinformation that goes viral via social media can lead to conflict and/or harm. As highlighted in KUB's article, "The Illusory Truth Effect On Social Media", the mass spread of misinformation has caused such a large problem that the UK government has announced the reveal of an anti-fake news unit to mediate the problem. 

 

Of course, this issue is prevalent to essentially all of society but specifically my generation. While certain social media outlets such as Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and many more have specifically taken a rise within my generation, we could definitely be responsible for the publishing of fake news. TikTok and Instagram appear to be the most popular social media at the moment, and it is easier than ever to post your thoughts, feelings, and any other information. ANY other information. There is no "filter" for false information that just removes posts from the internet at any time unless another individual reports it and becomes reviewed to be removed. With certain actions within the apps of those social media such as "reposting" or "sharing" the Illusory Truth Effect comes into play because of the fact that individuals are being exposed to the same repeated, shared information thus convincing the person to believe the information is true. Repetition is often confused for validity. 

 Ultimately, because our generation has the most insight into the most recent inventions of popular social media, we have the most knowledge about popular post trends and how to spend information through that popularity whether it be real or fake.

 

Now that we've covered that this is a prevalent issue that affects people- what segments of people does it affect specifically? Given that the majority of the world's population has access to various forms of technology, this is an issue that affects virtually everyone. Say you don't even own a phone or own a laptop, there is a fair chance that someone you know does or has had exposure to repeated, false information provided from that technology and has discussed, shared, and ultimately spread it. Without even owning technology, you've been exposed to the virus of fake news. Suppose you walk away from your source of exposure unable to research whether or not the presented information is true or not, you're going to believe it right?

 

 

The takeaway: next time major information breaks, make sure to do your research before you click repost. Help stop the spread of the fake news pandemic!

 

https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/features/xge-0000098.pdf

https://www.kub-uk.net/insights/illusory-truth-effect/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen/202001/illusory-truth-lies-and-political-propaganda-part-1

https://thedecisionlab.com/biases/illusory-truth-effect/

 

Eight Values of Free Expression

 

The Eight Values of Free Expression and Communication Technology 

 

In this post, I am going to make a connection between a communication technology (in this case social media) and a value of free expression. to review, the eight values of free expression are:

1)Marketplace of Ideas (aka Discovery of Truth)

2)Participation in Self-Government 

3)Stable Change (aka Safety Valve)

4)Individual Self-Fulfillment (aka Self-Actualization)

5)Check on Governmental Power (aka Watchdog Role)

6)Promote Tolerance

7)Promote Innovation

8)Protect Dissent

 

The communication technology I will be focusing on is social media and how it expresses freedom of speech. A connection I can make with social media communication technology and a value of free expression pertains to the fourth value which is individual self -fulfillment. 

Individual Self Fulfillment pertains to human liberty and human freedom of speech. Free speech enables individuals to express themselves and thereby create their own identify — and, in the process perhaps, find kindred spirits. Freedom of speech thus becomes an aspect of human dignity, human agency, and autonomy. This value of free speech helps to advance the value of free expression through individualistic values and opinions amongst people, not everyone has the same views and we are allowed to express those opinions in many different ways, thus, helping to create an identity amongst individuals. It prevents people from becoming a cookie-cutter version of everyone else, opinions, beliefs, and values are subjective to people and individual self-fulfillment permits it. It spreads free expression through what people say, post, and act on every day. This can be seen through social media - perhaps a post on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram stating particular views whether it is negative or positive. An example of this most recently, is the Black Lives Matter acts and use of the hashtag "#BLM" or hashtag #Black Lives Matter" which is an example of freedom of speech given that it is heavily charged with opinion and call to action individualistic to each person. Correspondingly, the recognition of the gay community with "Pride" parades, celebrations, and social media influence promoting positivity and promotion to be proud of who you are. The hashtag #PRIDE was also used to help spread this expression on various social media platforms. 

Social Media ultimately helps strengthen freedom of speech and individual self fulfillment through the widespread use of technology. Because of the fact that so many individuals use social media, a message is more likely to spread faster to mass groups of people given just a single post to the internet can be liked, shared, and reposted throughout the entire world in just a matter of seconds. One again, a prime example is the Black Lives Matter movement which has been present on social media for quite some time now but with the recent murder of  George Floyd, a video of Mr. Floyd's death by police brutality had surfaced on social media and sparked widespread outrage throughout the entire world. individuals used platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other media to voice their opinions about the matter. 

Contrarily, there is a downside as well. Because social media is widespread and nearly the entire world uses it, whatever you post is out there forever. Not all people will necessarily be satisfied with an opinionated post which can lead to a very negative impact. People even lose their jobs over posts with negative connotations that can cause outrage. Of course, one is allowed to post freely to voice opinion (without malicious intent) but there is no guarantee that every post is safe from disagreement which is another allowance of the first amendment. You can agree or disagree with something freely. That being said, values can in fact become undermined because of other people's opinions or thoughts. For example, if a mass number of people decide to disagree or what today's society calls "Cancel Culture" there is no doubt a person's opinion can become undermined. 

 

This article from the odyssey  describes what "cancel culture" is and it's negative effect:

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/the-toxicity-of-cancel-culture-stunts-growth-10-29

Personally, I view the internet and social media as a very fragile privilege. The content you post may not be offensive to you, but it could be to someone else. I believe it is very important to think before posting something that you think could spark outrage or any negative connotation. Once you post to the internet, it is out there forever. I personally avoid posting my personal thoughts or opinions online. I would rather keep to myself than spark arguments amongst widespread social media platforms.

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/the-toxicity-of-cancel-culture-stunts-growth-10-29

https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution-conan/amendment-1/freedom-of-expression-speech-and-press

https://www.socialmediatoday.com/

    

The Diffusion Theory and The Postal System

The Diffusion Theory: Technology of The Postal System

 

In continuation of my most recent EOTC blog about communication technology, in this blog, I will apply the diffusion theory to the postal system.

 

Communication is an intrinsic part of everyday life and without it, the world would be much more complicated. Communication is the core of connectivity between humans all over the world and with the help of technology, we can accomplish just that. It seems (at least to me) when I think of technology, the newest, most popular, and easiest forms of technology come to mind such as the iPhone, Apple watches, all that fun stuff. BUT what doesn't come to mind is what people hundreds of years ago considered "new" and "popular". That's right - try to imagine a world without instant messaging or Facebook (the travesty!)

 

So back to my focus of the Postal service. We have this idea of written communication really coming into play by 900 BC specifically in China - it's "new" and "popular". An individual could write something, hand it to another person, and hopefully have had it delivered to the desired person. This was the most instant message you'd receive - snail mail! So why did this catch on and spread? Well, if you put it in perspective, this means of technology was really the main form of communication at all besides in-person conversation and clay tablet scripture (sounds pretty good now, huh?) Letter writing became the most reliable means of long-distance communication and it had gained great importance especially when it came to making sure letters were actually delivered. What started the catch on and spread of this communication technology derived from the postal service China had created in order to provide postal service for communication between the government. Soon, following the newest Postal Service innovation, in 100 A.D., Rome used couriers to deliver messages to different corners of the empire. In fact, during the dark ages, the European monastery had developed a letter system in which royal messengers sent messages between ruling leaders, but a single organized method of sending and receiving letters for the common people. So, at this point, not only are important authoritative figures using this communication method but now average citizens as well.

 

People became early adopters of this trend given the fact that other forms of communication were not efficient or practical. Letter writing could also be considered more personal, private, and efficient as opposed to widespread messages spread through in-person conversation or writing into objects and plots such as pottery, tablets, walls, and structures. Some people may have been considered late adopters of the postal service and letter writing given the fact that they were not able to read or write, so receiving a letter may have had little to no benefit unless they had someone that could interpret it for them. It was only until the middle ages that book production and literacy among populations began to become important in the Western world. Correspondingly, while the ambition of universal literacy in Europe was a fundamental reform born from the enlightenment, it took centuries for it to happen. It was only the 19th and 20th centuries that rates of literacy approached universality in early industrialized countries.

 

While the rise of the postal service gained popularity, it still wasn't the most effective technique of communication. Risks included lost mail, slow delivery time, damaged or opened mail, stolen mail, I mean think about it- before the Pony express and effective routes were created around the world for effective delivery systems, if an individual was traveling a far distance to deliver mail perhaps by him or herself, there was not a 100% guarantee the deliverer would not encounter any issues along the way - (variables such as weather, negative animal / human encounters, sickness, etc.) And there certainly weren’t phones to be able to call for help. Correspondingly, depending on the importance/ sender of the letter, negative variables of the postal system may have had had less of an effect. For example, a letter between generals discussing military tactics most likely had more pull of importance and urgency as opposed to a letter sent between two commoners of a local town or village. This is also dependent on location whereas some areas of the world may have had bigger/ more advanced postal systems while others just began to adopt it.

 

I think the creation of the postal system was a smart, strategic, and important milestone in the history of human communication. Written communication was the most effective means of communication for a long time in the world's history. Thinking about modern technology and all it has to offer today really put our technological advancements in perspective. Obviously, as opposed to new communication technologies, letter writing may not be people's preferred method of communication anymore, but it certainly is part of the foundation of where we are today. 

https://ourworldindata.org/literacy#all-charts-preview

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-postal-system-established

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-postal-system-established

https://www.britannica.com/topic/postal-system

https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-mail-1992142

 

 

EOTC Key Post!

Communication Technology of The Postal System

Today, it can be difficult to think about not having the luxury of looking down at our phones or computers as a means to receive information. It's not really a second thought to any of us that we use technology to send messages and information around the world instantaneously, we just do it. While many of us have this luxury and go about our daily lives, do we really consider where the luxury first originated from? Although popular technology is used by millions of people every day, very few people actually know the history behind how technology came to be what it is today through other means of communication historically. In this blog, I am going to explain the creation and evolution of a term probably foreign to this generation, "written communication" developed by the postal service. 

 

We rely on present-day means of communication such as text messaging and emailing, but it is based on communication that is thousands of years old. The earliest evidence of a written language actually dates back to ancient Sumer between 4100- 3800 BC. In this means of written communication, marks were pressed into clay tablets and were used as records for land, cattle, and grain. As writing had developed, it was used more for record-keeping. Overtime, letter writing became the most reliable means of long-distance communication, as it became essential to make sure letters were delivered, a job of great importance. We jump into the idea of an actual postal service by 900 BC. China had developed a postal service for the delivery of messages to provide communication between the government. In continuation of the newest Postal Service innovation, later, in 100 A.D., Rome used couriers to deliver messages to different corners of the empire. In fact, during the dark ages, the European monastery had developed a letter system in which royal messengers sent messages between ruling leaders, but a single organized method of sending and receiving letters for the common people. 

 

Until the 16th century, when private mail systems began to appear in Europe and in the American colonies, mail was delivered by giving the message to an individual going in the direction the letter was supposed to and hoping it would arrive. In 1653, a French man named Jean-Jacquees Renouard de Villayer Established a postal system in which he set up mailboxes and delivered any letters placed in them if they used the Postage prepaid envelopes that he sold. Unfortunately, his business did not last long when a person decided to put live mice in the mailboxes which scared away his customers. Then, jumping ahead to 1837, a schoolmaster from England, Rowland Hill invented the adhesive postage stamp. The first person to stamp in the world was issued in England in 1840. Hills stamps were known to make pre-payment of postage both possible and practical. Today, the Universal Postal Union, which was established in 1874, includes 192 Countries and set rules for international mail exchanges.

 

Several individual postal systems became active in the colonies around 1673, but it wasn't until 1775 when Benjamin Franklin became the first postmaster general of the United States and the United States Postal Service was formed, that a single coherent system was implemented. The United States Postal Service is one of the Government agencies explicitly authorized by the United States Constitution. By 1860, the Pony Express branch of the Postal Service was created as a means of providing fast, reliable mail delivery to the western territories. In fact, Benjamin Franklin made numerous improvements to the mail system including setting up new, more efficient colonial routes that cut delivery time in half between Philadelphia in New York by having the weekly mail wagon travel both day and night via relay teams. He also debuted the first-rate chart, which standardized delivery cost based on distance and weight. Messages along the express could travel the distance from Missouri to California in about 10 days. From technological advancements such as planes, trains, and cars, around the world, mail delivery time was shortened. However, the mail service remained limited in terms of the time it took for a letter to get from the writer to the receiver of the mail. 

 

Today, the United States has over 40,000 post offices in Postal Service that delivers 212 billion pieces of mail each year to over 144 million homes and businesses in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the American Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. The Postal Service is also the nation's largest civilian employer, with over 700,000 career workers Who handle more than 44% of the world's cards and letters. The Postal Service is a Not-for-profit self-supporting agency that covers its expenses through the postage stamp in the United States which started in 1847 and related products. 

I found this really interesting video regarding the 1948 Postal Service and stamps, it's definitely worth a watch! :

Human communication is one of life's most important elements as coexisting humans, I believe it's important for people to understand that we didn't always have the luxury of sending a text message within seconds, this technology was built on a foundation of complex and intricate communication systems just like early Postal Services around the world. I decided to research the history of the Postal Service because I personally still write letters to people and I really enjoy it! For me, there's something special about receiving a handwritten letter addressed to you personally as opposed to a digital text on a screen that can be forgotten about in a matter of minutes. It's actually quite meaningful, throughout my first year of college, my friends and I (all of us attending colleges in different states), sent letters back-and-forth to each other. Just seeing that I had received a letter in my mailbox made my entire day, and even though I can look back at texts we've sent each other, opening a letter that was handwritten to me personally meant so much more.

By the end of the year, this is the stack of mail I ended up with! It feels very rewarding!

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-postal-system-established

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-postal-system-established

https://www.britannica.com/topic/postal-system

https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-mail-1992142

The Progressive Era

Recently, I have visited the websites of ANTIWAR.COM and American Conservative, and my findings were quite interesting. Let's jump into it.

 

First, in both of these sites, it is easy to notice that the writers corresponding to them are all very strong anti-war voices that never seem to appear in the mainstream news. Have you heard of these websites before? I know I haven't. 

 

Let's talk about ANTIWAR.COM. You open the webpage, and BOOM, lists of articles, news reports, media, columnists, and topic bullet points. This page is overflowing with information and research. let alone, the columnist's section is overflowing with names, it takes an adequate scroll to view the entire list of names presented in a small font. Obviously, this is an important site to many people, and just based on the presentation of the page, this is no joking matter. What baffles me the most is that if these researchers and writers of ANTIWAR.COM clearly know how to publish, research, and write, why don't news agencies and news outlets acknowledge them? I mean, put this in perspective- these individuals have done extensive, quickly presented research, which is readily available on a public site, why wouldn’t people consider using this site as an adequate source of information? You also have the advantage of various viewpoints and opinions which could definitely be beneficial to interviews regarding opinion stories. Well, here's the reality. As we consider our history, we can acknowledge topics such as the Role of Dissent and the First Amendment protecting it which was a cause of friction given a majority of disagreement with an opinion- such as anti-war. Historically, the Progressive Era was fired up by World War One anti-war activists who specifically did not want America to become involved, soon following, they were persecuted for their anti-war views and hundreds of individuals were thrown in jail for voicing their opinions. Today, the United States Government is waging military operations all over the world, This is almost déjà vu to the silence of antiwar individuals speaking their opinions. It would make sense as to why the large majority of us have never even heard of sites like ANTIWAR.COM and The American Conservative. It sure looks like a repeated behavioral pattern of the past if you ask me. 

 

Onto The American Conservative, While the site may not nearly be as jampacked with buzzing information as the antiwar site, it provides viewers with countless articles, media, And quite organized lists of blogs, podcasts, categories, events, and even a fellows program. The American conservative website looks like an average newspaper or reporting website and most certainly does not appear as abrasive or forceful with their opinions, it appears much more professional than ANTIWAR.COM However, there are still articles with titles such as "Another General Wants Forever War in Iraq" under the conservatives Military and defense section. Just enough to cause friction to be seen as disrespect towards the government. 

 

Obviously, the government is going to do the best they can to not necessarily silence, but to in a way quiet sites such as ANTIWAR and The American Conservative given that their opinions run against the United States Military and Defense Organizations, and it doesn't look good for our country. If the First Amendment protects our Freedom of Speech, why should sites like these be silenced? As seen in the two websites, political dissent is a circulating and very present aspect today. The dissatisfaction and opposition to the policies of the governing body obviously posed some kind of threat to them, and in my eyes, they're trying to keep it quiet to prevent further people agreeing with them as expressions of dissent may take forms from vocal disagreement to civil disobedience to the use of violence.

 

Here’s the verdict:  The right to free speech means that you are allowed to express yourself without interference or constraint by the government. The government can limit both the content of speech and the ability to engage in speech as long as the government has a "substantial justification". However, there is such a thing called “prohibited speech” such as fighting words like speech that would incite hatred or violence which has been constitutionally prohibited for nearly 60 years. In addition, advocating illegal activity and speech that would encourage others to engage in illegal activity is not afforded any protection of the First Amendment. So, at the end of the day, the government most likely tries to keep these websites on the back burner as they could possibly spark violence directed by dissatisfaction/ expression. The sites can still freely express their opinions safely as they are protected by the First Amendment, but if they incite any sort of violence, Illegal activity, or hatred, it is unacceptable. In summation, these sites are both walking a tight rope with the government. 

 

In my opinion, I do agree that individuals should be allowed to express their opinions on topics they don't like as we were granted the First Amendment- Freedom of Speech, it is fair. However, I would have to agree that individuals using the First Amendment as a shield to create violence and illegal activity is unacceptable. I think the websites I looked at today – the American Conservative and ANTIWAR.com are not all bad and they are entitled to express their opinions. However, if they advertised a meet up to create a riot or some sort of illegal activity, obviously it would not be OK.

http://www.antiwar.com

https://www.theamericanconservative.com/web-categories/military-defense/

https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/the-importance-of-dissent/

Relation to First Amendment Encyclopedia

In John R. Vile's article, "Black Lives Matter" under the First Amendment Encyclopedia, The six clauses/ freedoms are in fact present. To recap, the Six Clauses/ Freedoms of the First Amendment are:

 

1) From Religion,  2) Of Religion ;

3) Of Speech        4) Of The Press ;

5) Of Assembly     6) To Petition;

 

John R. Vile's article discusses various topics including the origin/ introduction of the start of protesting, how protests have turned controversial and into riots, and how police impositions have had an impact on First Amendment rights. Starting up the article, Vile discusses the Michael Brown case. In August of 2014, outside of St. Louis, an 18-year-old black man named Michael Brown was fatally shot by a white officer, named Darren Wilson. A grand jury declined to indict Wilson, and the United States Justice Department opted against civil rights charges. The death of Mr. Brown, who was unarmed, lead to many months of violent protesting and became an impetus for the Black Lives Matter movements, which ultimately brings to attention the police treatment of minorities. A number of judges have even prohibited attorneys from wearing black lives matter pins in courtrooms. 

 

In common opinion amongst individuals, the presence of police officers and other forces dressed in complete combat gear and military weapons definitely added to the already risen tension In Ferguson protesting with Black Lives Matter. Even today in Black Lives Matter protesting regarding the death of George Floyd and other African American individuals who have tragically lost their lives to police brutality, even when assembly and protest is peaceful, forces are always present. This forceful presence ultimately creates a distance from the police and members of the Black Lives Matter organization and supporters. How are we supposed to come together if the already risen tension is just being emphasized? Additionally, in Vile’s article, the argument of Ashley M Eick (Candidate at the William and Mary Law school), which argued that such a militarized police response poses a chilling effect on the right of peaceable assembly, corresponds to clause five of the Six Clauses/ Freedoms of the First Amendment: Freedom of peaceful assembly, sometimes used interchangeably with the freedom of association, is the individual right or ability of people to come together and collectively express, promote, pursue, and defend their collective or shared ideas (Legal Information Institute). 

 

In addition to the challenge of the Fifth Clause of the First Amendment, this article and today's current events regarding Black Lives Matter gatherings also relate to Clause Six of the First Amendment which states that individuals have the right to petition government for redress and right to make a complaint to, or seek the assistance of one's government, without fear of punishment or reprisals. Thus, it is quite contradictory that individuals are facing such forceful retaliation from police and other protection forces especially when certain assemblies are not creating violence or causing any reason for police interaction. Why are individuals facing trouble for what has been written into our history as right and just? 

 

In my opinion, I do in fact believe that certain police and other security forces are acting over the top with Black Lives Matter assemblies, especially when they aren't violent. However, I do not think that all police are out to create trouble for the people of the Black Lives Matter assemblies. I can see how they can be intimidating for sure; do I think it's necessary for all the weapons to be present? No. I think it’s definitely over the top especially for peaceful assemblies. However, many of these assemblies have turned into violent riots as stated in Vile’s article, and I think it is in fact necessary to have police and other security measures present to prevent people from getting hurt. There are ways to assemble and represent what you believe in without getting violent. With the hot topic of police brutality circulating in the United States, especially throughout the years, I can certainly see how people are now increasingly becoming more anxious when police and other forces are on the scenes of causes such as Black Lives Matter assemblies and other events because of what happened To George Floyd and many other African-American individuals which involve cases related to police brutality. These brutality related cases should have never happened, and it is very saddening to think that such disturbing events are going on in our own country.

https://www.mtsu.edu/first-amendment/article/1512/black-lives-matter

 

https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution-conan/amendment-1#amdt1e_hd17

 

https://www.freedomforuminstitute.org/first-amendment-center/topics/freedom-of-petition/freedom-of-petition-overview/

 

https://blacklivesmatter.com/