Freedom

The word Freedom is used quite often by many people, especially when talking about living in certain countries.  But what does Freedom really mean?  Many people would say it is the right to do whatever one wants without restrictions. 

That could be true.  But surely it depends on what you want to do?  If you live in a country that drives on the left-hand side of the road, you cannot drive on the right-hand side.  It would be silly to do so and downright dangerous.  So, Freedom must come with some restrictions.

There are some countries, where sectors of the population are denied the right to vote; or some families that put conditions on where and how each family member live their life.  This would mean there is some control, denying people the right to live their life the way they would like.  In this case a certain freedom is being denied.  So where do we start looking if we want to give people freedom? 

Being in prison is not being free.  Belonging to a cult religion in many cases is not being free.  Too much stipulation and rules are being placed on how these people live their life.  A disabled person who is confined to a wheel chair isn’t free to access all the places they would like to go.  But with a person in a wheel chair, they can at least arrange to overcome the problem and work out a way they can access that area and eventually get in.

Maybe Freedom is a mind over matter problem.  Is it how you feel?  If one knows there are restrictions, does it take away that feeling of freedom?  Once again it would depend on the restrictions.

Now this sounds terribly complicated, and it shouldn’t be.  If you want to go for a walk then surely you should be able to do that.  Yes of course you can, but it depends on what would stop you.  If you were at work, and you don’t finish for another two hours, would it be right to get up and walk out of work to take a walk?  You could still do it, but I would imagine your boss would have something to say about it. 

Maybe you are at the beach and feel like a swim.  Several people are in the sea, so you decide you would like to join them.  While you are bouncing around in the waves, there is a cry from the beach saying a shark has been sighted and to leave the water.  If you are like me, you would leave the water.  But and here is where the word Freedom comes in, if you didn’t want to leave the water, you have every right to stay where you are.  Now you might end up having an argument with a lifesaver who would come and try to drag you out, but if you want to stay in the water, you are free to do so.  A lifesaver, cannot make you. 

I believe this is the answer to Freedom.  It is the right of choice.  The right to choose whether you want to do this or that.  Your prerogative.  Of course, if your decision puts someone else in harm that is a little selfish, but it is still your right to choose. 

You can choose as you are growing up, what path you want to take as an adult.  Not always an easy decision. Somewhere during your schooling you have to make decisions about subjects you want to study and whether you want to go to university and take up a tertiary education.  Unless your family has mapped out precisely what they think you should do with your life, you are free to make you own choice. 

Having the right to choose is what most people would call Freedom.  But with freedom comes responsibility.  Say you decided when you left school you would stay home and play with your video games each day.  Your choice.  What would be the outcome of that?  Would you ever think you might be acting selfishly?  Yes, you would enjoy yourself.  You could get up when you wanted, and do what you wanted when you wanted to.  But what about your parents?  How do you think they would react to this behaviour?

If you were my child, I would make sure, one, that the cupboards and fridge were empty of food.  That there would be no money or cards left around the house so you could purchase anything.  Also, I would be leaving lots of messages around the place, telling you to clean this or that and don’t make a mess.  You might want to play games for the rest of your life, but not in my house.  You would be expected to contribute. 

Yes, you have the Freedom to choose what you would prefer to do, but not at the expense of someone else. 

So, what is Freedom?  The right of choice, but with that right comes responsibility.  Everyone has freedom.  They automatically have the right of choice.  Even in places where there are strict rules and regulations, everyone has the freedom to choose not to follow.  We can all do our own thing, but sometimes it is better to join in with the crowd and do the same as others. 

Everyone is Free to do whatever they want.  Even on those occasions when people say “I didn’t have a choice”.  Actually, they did, but they chose to do the safest option. 

Be Free, but be wise when you choose, and remember every right comes with responsibility. 

Julie Finch-Scally ©