Discovering the truth, voting wisely, and realizing one’s identity; it is a trio of well established justifications for protecting speech under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, corresponding, respectively, to free-expression theories known as the marketplace of ideas, democratic self-governance, and autonomy/human dignity. To this list, Narain D. Batra now adds another important free-speech value—innovation—in his timely and example-packed ... Read moretome, The First Freedoms and America’s Culture of Innovation. . . .One strength of this book is the author’s ability to surf the pop-cultural realm to illustrate larger points about free speech, communication technologies, innovation and aspirational society. . . .Batra knows how to turn clever, memorable, and inspiring phrases about the importance of the First Amendment. Free-speech scholars going forward likely will cite and sprinkle some of these chestnuts into their own writing when addressing the power and purposes of the First Amendment. . . .Ultimately, Batra makes a valuable contribution not only to the literature on free expression, but also to the workings of modern American society. With time, the innovation value of the First Amendment might well take its place alongside established First Amendment theories.
Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly
This wide-ranging and thought-provoking book makes the compelling case that freedom of expression has extraordinary value beyond governance and civic engagement. It also prompts one to take a new, fresh look at the economic importance of basic freedoms in places ranging from 21st Century China to post-9/11 America.
Charles J. Wheelan, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, Dartmouth College Narain Batra makes a fascinating case that the First Amendment – in particular, its protection of free speech – has been a linchpin of America's entrepreneurial spirit. Free speech is a requirement, not just a good idea, for any culture that wants to participate fully in the 21st Century economy.
Dan Gillmor, Director of the Knight Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication, Arizona State University Show Less