A few months ago, my mother and I were in the car, talking like mothers and daughters often do.
I wish I could remember what brought up the topic, but my mom told me something I was unprepared to hear her say.
"Of course I'm against censorship, Lizzie," she said.
Shocked by those six words, I could only manage to stutter the response, "Really?"
She explained to me that it's taking away my freedom of speech, granted to me as an American citizen. Just wanting to drop the topic, I agreed.
Still, I was so surprised that my mother — a mother of 10 — would be so against censorship. It just seemed natural to me that she would want someone protecting my brothers, sisters and me. She would want someone shielding us from the words, sights and actions we probably shouldn't be witnessing.
Even after my mom and I had this encounter, I didn't think much of the topic. I still wondered why my mom would be against this form of protection but never thought about it for long periods of time.
But recently, in my Social Issues class, my teacher, Leonard Harding, spent a few days on the issue of censorship and freedom of speech. Through these days, I realized why my mom feels the way she does and gained my own stance on the topic.
In America, freedom of speech has become less important than being offended.
I understand that it is the person's right to be offended, but it is also their responsibility to just walk away.
So I urge anyone who may be offended by my view to stop reading now.
It's not completely the government's fault for the censors all around us. We have given them plenty of reason to think we need the censor. We have told them we are incompetent to step away from things we don't like.
As Americans, we have complained about every little thing that has ever bothered us.
Without what Harding taught my class, I'm not sure if I would ever be able to fully appreciate and understand how privileged I am to be able to speak my mind and to write.
Every day I am thankful for this country and the freedoms it offers, despite any flaws it may have.
Not only as an American but also as a journalist, I can appreciate the freedom of speech.
Without that freedom, I wouldn't be able to write this article, and this newspaper wouldn't exist.
I've realized that my mother doesn't need the government to tell other people what they can or cannot say or do to help her protect her children.
My mother has taught my siblings and me to be able to make our own choices in a responsible way.
If something is unsuitable or may be offensive, she has taught us to simply walk away.
Liz Mitton is a senior at Ephrata High School and editor of the school's newspaper, Mountaineer. E-mail her at YourLife@Lnpnews.com. 
