8 Values

Why Checking Government Powers Matters More Than Ever

When people think about free speech, they usually think about being able to say what they want or share opinions online. But one of the most important reasons free expression exists is to keep the government in check. Out of the eight values of free expression, the one that stands out to me the most is check on governmental power. This value focuses on the idea that speech and press act as a watchdog, making sure those in power are held accountable for their actions. Without it, there would be very little stopping abuse of power.

The check on governmental power is what allows journalists, citizens, and organizations to expose wrongdoing. Investigations, reporting, and even everyday people speaking out all play a role in this. A good example of this is investigative journalism from outlets like The New York Times, which has uncovered corruption, unethical behavior, and misuse of power in government. Without the protection of free speech and a free press, stories like these might never come to light.

This value also feels very relevant today because of how quickly information spreads. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter)and YouTube allow people to share news, opinions, and evidence in real time. While this can sometimes lead to misinformation, it also gives people the ability to call out issues immediately and bring attention to things that might otherwise be ignored. In a way, everyone now has the ability to contribute to holding power accountable, not just traditional journalists.

For me, this value stands out because it shows how important individual voices really are. It is not just large media companies that keep the government in check, it is also everyday people who are willing to speak up. Whether it is sharing information, questioning decisions, or starting conversations, these actions all play a part in making sure power is not abused. This connects to real life because it shows that free speech is not passive. It requires people to actually use their voices.

You can also see this value in action when people speak out about issues that directly affect them. When citizens protest, post online, or engage in public debate, they are participating in this watchdog role. These actions can lead to investigations, policy changes, or at the very least, more awareness. Even if change does not happen immediately, the act of speaking out still limits how much power can go unchecked.

Overall, the value of checking governmental power shows why free expression is essential to a functioning society. It keeps leaders accountable, exposes wrongdoing, and gives people a voice in how they are governed. Free speech is not just about personal expression, it is also about responsibility. When people use their voices to question and challenge authority, they help protect the balance of power. That is why this value stands out to me as one of the most important.

AI Brainstorm

Ai Brainstorm and My Career in Sport Management 

When I first came to HPU as a Sport Management major, I imagined my future being all about working live games, interacting with fans, and being part of the energy that makes sports so exciting. I still see that as the goal, but now AI is clearly going to be part of that world too, whether I planned for it or not.

AI is already starting to change the sports industry in a lot of ways. Teams and organizations are using it for things like ticket pricing, fan engagement, marketing, and even game-day operations. Instead of relying only on people, organizations can now use data and AI tools to make faster and more accurate decisions. That doesn’t mean jobs are disappearing completely, but it does mean they are changing.

For someone like me, that’s honestly a little intimidating. A lot of entry-level roles in sports already feel competitive, and now there’s an added expectation of understanding technology and data. It’s not just about being passionate about sports anymore. You also have to know how to use tools that can analyze fans, improve experiences, and help organizations run more efficiently.

At the same time, I don’t think AI replaces the most important parts of sports. Things like creativity, communication, leadership, and building relationships still matter a lot. If anything, those skills might matter even more now. The difference is that the best people in the field will be the ones who can combine those human skills with AI.

So when I think about the hopes I had coming into HPU, I don’t think AI ruins them. It just changes them. My dream job is still possible, but the path to get there is going to require more adaptability and learning than I originally expected. If I can figure out how to use AI instead of compete with it, I think I’ll be in a much better position going into the sports industry.

Thank You For Smoking Reflection

My brief reflection after watching Thank You For Smoking

The movie Thank You for Smoking takes a different approach to talking about advertising, especially when it comes to products that are clearly harmful. Watching Nick Naylor do his job made me realize how much of marketing is not just about selling something, but about how you frame the message. What stood out to me most is the idea that something can be completely legal, but still feel wrong.

I don’t think I could do Nick Naylor’s job, even if the money was really good. Obviously, getting offered $100,000 or $200,000 right out of college would be hard to turn down. That’s life-changing money. But at the same time, I’d always have in the back of my mind that I’m helping promote something that harms people. That would probably get to me over time. The vape example makes it a little more complicated. It’s marketed as a “better alternative” to cigarettes, which sounds easier to justify. But when you look at how many teenagers are getting hooked on vaping now, it doesn’t feel much better. Even if it’s slightly less harmful, it’s still creating a problem.

One part of the discussion that I didn’t agree with was the idea of going back and removing cigarettes from old movies. I get why people would want to do that, especially to avoid influencing younger audiences, but it feels like changing history. Movies reflect the time they were made in, and taking things out like that doesn’t really solve the issue. It just hides it. I think it’s better to leave things as they are and focus on educating people instead.

The reporter in the movie was interesting too. She was clearly trying to expose something important, and I think what she uncovered mattered. At the same time, the way she got her information didn’t sit right with me. Using personal relationships to get a story feels like crossing a line. It kind of shows that even when someone is trying to do something good, their methods can still be questionable.

When it comes to why the government doesn’t just ban advertising for things like tobacco or alcohol, I think it mostly comes down to legal rights. The First Amendment protects commercial speech to a certain extent, so it’s not that simple. Personally, I wouldn’t support a full ban, but I do think there should be stronger limits. Especially when it comes to advertising that reaches younger audiences. There has to be some kind of balance between freedom and responsibility.

Marijuana advertising is probably the most confusing situation. It’s legal in some states and illegal in others, which makes everything messy, especially online. Ads don’t just stay in one place anymore. I don’t think companies should automatically be punished if their ads show up in states where it’s illegal, but there should definitely be clearer rules so everyone knows what’s allowed.

Overall, the movie made me think about the kind of work I want to be part of in the future. Just because something is legal and pays well doesn’t automatically make it something I should do. At some point, your own values have to come into play, and that’s probably the biggest takeaway I got from it.