The Importance of Freedom to Me

By: Jason Raiche

Posted: 5/6/09

As a journalist, freedom of speech and of the press are two rights that should remain near and dear to my heart. Unfortunately I am not known for speaking my mind on issues, and usually do not defend my beliefs, attitudes or values when I'm surrounded by others whose beliefs, attitudes and values differ from my own. An introvert, I simply have nodded my head and answered a statement that I may not agree with saying "Yeah," or "I can't believe that!"

Until I became associated with the St. Norbert Times I often overlooked my rights that were protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution. I often succumbed to peer-pressure when exposed to doing things in a group setting or when around others because it was typically the easy way out, and for those of you who don't know me, conflict avoidance is my middle name. These are just some of the few examples where I have taken my rights and freedoms for granted, instead of embracing them and taking full advantage of them.

Writing for the Times has allowed me to examine my beliefs, attitudes and values and exert my full opinion on things that are important to me through writing reviews on the music I listen to, the television shows I watch and the concerts I attend. Review writing has enabled me the freedom to express myself, another important thing to me when I write.

In addition, the Times has allowed me to break out of my shell and write articles that reach a wide variety of people-a mass audience, if you will. Thus, I have grown as an individual and feel like my opinion matters. Today I am free to speak what is not only on my mind if I feel strongly about a certain issue, but instead of having no opinion or being neutral on certain issues, I am able to form an educated opinion and not feel pressured to think a certain way.

I have these freedoms: of speech, expression and the press, and I feel I have often taken them for granted. My writing permits me to take a few steps back and examine what I could improve, and one area where I can improve is to certainly take full advantage of all my freedoms. I am well aware that people in other countries are not so privileged as I am, and as an American I feel that my freedom to express my opinions and to speak my mind are important qualities that I should foster instead of hold back.

Even as an introvert, and still one to this day, I have changed for the better. Once a young man focused on others' opinions of him, I now have a different perspective of how to go through life: don't care what others think about you. Working for the Times has allowed me to expand, not just as an entertainment writer, but also as a person in general. Today I feel I have been provided with not only the tools to excel in my writing abilities and get to know great people, but also to grab hold of the rights I have and use them as a privileged citizen of the U.S. Because of this, I am undoubtedly a happier person and feel an even better citizen for not letting these freedoms go unused or unnoticed.

If you are an introvert who has been placed in similar situations as I have, I challenge you to discover the freedoms you have and use them to your advantage. I guarantee you will not only be a happier person, but you will allow yourself to become a more informed person when taking a stance on an issue and sticking to what you believe in. Be proud and honored for what freedoms you have and go out, express yourself and speak your mind. You won't regret it!