The First Amendment In The Bill Of Rights By Walter Lippmann

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Most Americans fought for their individual rights for decades before WW2. The first amendment in the Bill of Rights guarantees the right to free speech meaning that the citizens of America are allowed to read, write, and share ideas freely and act in opposition. Walter Lippmann, social philosopher and writer’s, article, The Indispensable Opposition, appeared in the Atlantic Monthly in 1939 during WW2. Lippmann informs Americans in the article on the importance of everyone having the freedom of speech and opinion in society by separating what is believed and what is the truth by creating juxtaposition, incorporating strong repetition, and invoking powerful diction to set the tone. Near the beginning of his article, Lipmann strengthens his focus on the right to having and owning up to an opinion by creating juxtaposition. He states that he would “defend to the death [men’s] rights'' to say their opinion but most men will “not defend to the death the …show more content…

His language usage incorporates strong emotionalism when he calls Americans “magnanimous” and “noble.” Utilizing these compelling words reaches out to the reader of the article and convinces them to take action when they think they are “too timid” to do anything about the critics in their life. Lippmann knows that the citizens of America have “strong principles” and the “hospitality of an acquiring mind” so it should be easy to understand why “the liberties of men are [their] own vital necessity.” Protecting rights is essential if people want to live in a society that is fair and equal to everyone, failing to do so weakens democracy. Lippmann incorporates such powerful diction to prove that people must view the freedom of oppositions as a way to improve as a society. He uses these key words and phrases to show an understanding of the American people and how fighting for their opinion is justified and the epitome of the