My article, “Freedom of Speech Means Tolerating Opposing Viewpoints” by Muhammad Hassan, discusses how freedom is speech is important to a healthy society. The article is from an online college newspaper, run by students from Virginia Tech. It addresses the necessary respect one must give in any argument, in a society where people are free to express their opinions.

Firstly, the article discusses the importance freedom of speech. It is the role of the government to give citizens the right of freedom of speech. Many societal breakdowns and rebellions were caused by angry citizens who did not have a voice. It also addresses that the most healthy societies have respectful debate and conversation. This way, problems are solved and new beliefs are formed.
In Fahrenheit 451, freedom of speech has been taken away in the form of “controversial” books being burned. Also, citizens who have different views from the government seem to be removed by society. Additionally, it was famously reported that the author Ray Bradbury valued his freedom of speech immensely.

The article goes on to talk about the disrespectful ways in which people disagree with one another. Many people on the internet dismiss each other as ignorant or stupid instead of truly listening to them.
In my book, it seemed that people wanted to agree with each other. Conflict was avoided at all costs. I infer that this is because so many people disagreed in such a harsh manner that disagreement itself seemed to be the enemy. Then the public sought to find ways to always agree with one another. To do this, they always talked about surface level subjects.

In conclusion, everyone should contribute their opinions to society. Freedom of speech is important, and when discussion can happen in a calm and respectful manner then it benefits society.
In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury indicates that without opposing ideas, no conversation can have meaning. Richly filled disagreement is better than shallow conversation.