03 Jul Lighting the Lamp of Independent Thought

By Waleska Santiago, Program Manager

This Independence Day, as fireworks paint the evening sky and celebrations unfold, let us reflect on a profound aspect of freedom—one beautifully captured in the words etched at the base of a towering symbol of liberty:

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
— The New Colossus, a public domain poem by Emma Lazarus

These lines, adorning the Statue of Liberty, speak to a nation built on the promise of freedom and opportunity. But beyond political independence and the right to stand on free soil, there lies a deeper, equally vital liberation: the independence of thought. True freedom begins in the mind, with the unburdened ability to think, question, create, and express oneself without fear.

The bedrock of any vibrant democracy and a truly just society is this intellectual freedom. It’s the right to challenge, to innovate, and to contribute diverse perspectives that drive progress and enrich our collective understanding. Without the liberty to explore ideas, to speak truths, and to voice dissent, other freedoms can become hollow echoes.

At American INSIGHT, our commitment to this foundational freedom is unwavering. Our nonpartisan mission is to promote the history and values of Free Speech, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law. We believe these principles are the very bedrock upon which independent thought and expression thrive. It is through upholding these values that we actively cultivate an environment where minds can truly be free, where every voice contributes to the chorus of human experience, echoing the poem’s welcoming spirit to all who yearn for freedom.

Looking to the future, our vision is to build an ever-growing community of online students who learn to speak out and bring positive change to their lives and the world around them. This is about nurturing a generation of critical thinkers and courageous communicators—individuals who will embody the spirit of those who arrive “yearning to breathe free,” equipped to shape a more just and equitable world with their independent insights.

Cinema, as an art form, stands as a powerful beacon for independent thought and expression. It challenges narratives, illuminates hidden truths, fosters empathy across divides, and gives voice to the voiceless. Through compelling storytelling, film inspires us to question, to understand, and to engage with the complexities of our world, contributing to a society where all minds can be truly independent.

This Independence Day, as we celebrate the liberties we cherish, let it also be a renewed commitment to actively champion and protect the independence of thought and expression for everyone, everywhere. We invite you to reflect on these profound freedoms, engage with American INSIGHT’s ongoing work, and join us in supporting our mission to keep the “lamp beside the golden door” of free thought burning brightly for all voices.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Free Speech Film Festival Award

Tickets for the 2025 Free Speech Award Ceremony are now available for purchase:
https://americaninsight.networkforgood.com/events/86490-free-speech-award