Being able to express oneself freely is a fundamental right, because it is essential to fight so that human rights are respected and also promote human rights, the fact that people cannot express their opinions, make complaints, and be able to speak about changes in a country, is something what is called slavery. Everywhere it has been seen how people get to be imprisoned or harassed, simply for wanting to exercise their right to free expression, this knowing that it is clear that everyone is within their right to receive and impart information and thoughts without fear of anything , this right is important for the personal development and dignity of each person, and it is fundamental for the enjoyment of other human rights. Freedom of expression is closely related to the right to defend one's opinion and to the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Freedom of expression includes not only verbal or speech freedom, but all communication manifested by any means or artistic, scientific or any kind of symbol. It is not an exclusive right of the communicational actors: journalists, lawyers, politicians, thinkers, teachers, etc., but rather that each individual of the human species is the holder of that right. And the State is obliged to guarantee it in front of governmental institutions or not, in front of any person, be it a family member, their partner, an individual of their community circle, or any member of the sector or social group where they operate.
From the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in 1948, freedom of expression is enshrined in most laws, including its guarantees, which are, among others: the right not to be persecuted because of one's own opinions, the right to investigate information and opinions, the right to preserve the secret of the source, the proscription of crimes of conscience and the respect for university autonomy and academic freedom for the search, achievement and free dissemination of knowledge and ideas. The guarantees of freedom of expression are part of what is modernly called human rights or 'fundamental rights' of the human person, and they are considered fundamental since it would be almost impossible to demand and enforce other rights if they have been violated.
At the end of the previous chapter, Lyddie was fired from her job, so she decides to make money for her family by moving to Lowell, Massachusetts and working in industry. After being given money to take a carriage to Lowell, Lyddie sets off on her journey.
