Freedom of Expression Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Freedom of Expression - Essay Example According to the research findings, it can, therefore, be said that as with various popular terms over the history of English language, the term â€Å"freedom of expression† has come to mean a wide variety of things and is definitely open to interpretation. It could mean freedom to act in any matter at any place whatsoever without regard to any standards. But it has been defined within certain limitations and exceptions, the most relevant to the case under consideration being defamation and obscenity. The woman with the t-shirt that caused her eviction from the plane was expressing a political opinion, and as such cannot be held responsible for defamation. For defamation to be established, it should also be shown to be causing tangible harm by the publication of an alleged fact, which is false. None of the images printed caused any actual damage to their subjects because the t-shirt made no false claims based on facts about the subjects depicted on it. An opinionated statement is not defamation, and a citizen reserves the right to express an opinion. Where the conflict comes in, however, is the display of profanity. The print draws a parallel with a popular movie title "Meet the Fockers", which was not banned for obscenity as in the title it was a clever pun and not much else. The t-shirt replaces the "o" with a "u", which makes it an explicit term, unsuitable for a captive audience aboard a plane, which might include minors. Possibly exposing minors to strong language is not an exercise in freedom of expression, but rather its curtailment for others involved. The venue of the incident was not public space, but private property owned by the South West Airlines, and as such, they retained the right to object to words unacceptable to them or other passengers.