What Does It Mean To Be Free Essay

There are many ways to define Freedom. To many people, freedom means more than just ‘free to do whatever I want’. Taken literally, that approach to Freedom would produce anarchy and every man, woman, and child would be for him/herself. Now Freedom certainly means that one can have full power to act, speak, or think anyway they would desire to without hindrance or restraint, however this is only true until you abuse your freedoms or infringe upon others free-will or rights.

Freedom has both positive and negative repercussions. It is true, people can abuse Freedom. This isn’t a perfect world with that of a faultless society. In many ways and in parts of the world the way of life is generally unprincipled and barbaric, people are corrupt, and only the strongest survive. However, this does not allow for other people to control one's rights or actions. Free-will or Freedom can most definitely be misinterpreted. For example, Freedom comes with many responsibilities to obey. People tend to rebel and disregard the duties required to have Free-will, some people also abuse freedom, take advantage of the freedoms they are entitled to and therefore lose their freedom. People tend to be selfish. If you abuse your freedom you will be held accountable and face the consequences

such a jail, fines or loss of certain privilege.

The benefit to having Freedom is that you’re allowed to be unique, and authentic.

You can share your ideas and thoughts without facing restraints. That you can choose between being a criminal or a law abiding citizen and learn from repercussions and consequences. With Freedom people are able to learn, and progress as a society from good and bad choices. For example, there is a reason why people have the freedom to smoke cigarettes; however, nobody is obligated or outlawed to smoke cigarettes but people are able to choose to smoke them or not. The point is, is that you have free agency to govern your own quality of life, whether or not your life is great or disastrous, it is still your very own

decision.

Freedom has negative repercussions. Now because people can smoke cigarettes doesn’t mean it is a wise decision. Smoking causes cancer, death, weakness, it also pollutes the air, and it hurts people's health as well as those around them that are exposed to secondary smoke. For years the freedom to smoke endangered other peoples’ rights to fresh air until laws were set in place to protect the general population in public places. Smokers may be inconvenienced by their inability to smoke inside public buildings now, but they still have the freedom to smoke. A compromise had to be made so that everyone could enjoy their freedom. We also see this in the current cases involving the issue surrounding gay rights and religious freedom rights. If concessions are only made for one group it often infringes upon the rights of another group. This creates obstacles and limitations. It’s nearly impossible to keep everyone happy but the laws should not be so unfair that there are biases. Another detrimental repercussion of Freedom is that because we have Freedom of speech and people are allowed to curse in public doesn’t mean that other people won’t find it offensive. Although it is their right to speak the way they do, and act the way they desire to do, it’s not a pleasant experience for those that might, for example, be trying to enjoy a family meal at a restaurant and be seated by foul mouthed people that are disrespectful of others’ rights to enjoy their meal without being exposed to uncomely language. Freedom is so diverse, that since others have different perspectives and opposing world views it is hard not to be offended or hurt by others completely. One must be mature enough to avoid taking offense so easily just for their own peace of mind.

Freedom has its limitations and obstacles. For example with Freedom comes certain restrictions that come with consequences to protect the other rights of people. These restrictions are most commonly known as “laws”. The need for laws goes back when humans first were on this earth. It gave a sense of order for the way things should be. Back then it may have been harsh punishments meant to humiliate the offender or avenge and give a sense of justice by use of capital punishment. Over time laws have become more defined and punishments are less barbaric to give a sense of order and decency to the world. In time, the more archaic laws faded and evolved favoring the rights of each person and their freedoms. Now, for example, it is your freedom to choose what you would like to do with your body, but it is still important that you respect other people's rights, take for instance the laws regarding indecent behavior and nudity. Laws are meant to protect people, and to help ensure respect and order in a civilized society. Now it may seem ironic that America considers themselves a free society and yet has multiples laws, amendments and punishments for those who feel they are simply displaying their freedom. However to maintain liberty in a society between people with good intentions and people with bad intentions, laws are needed to protect the freedom in that nation. Without laws world culture would be catastrophic due to their being no order and with no order come disorder and discord.

Freedom is beautiful and it is a gift. It is a privilege that many do not enjoy and that many in the free nations take for granted. We see this in our culture presently with displays of stomping and burning the American flag, freedom to be irresponsible with your body whether it’s by exposure or promiscuity and even mutilate it or mark it with gauges, tattoos, and brandings, freedom to go to raves which are known for the widespread drug use, and freedom to drink to the point of poisoning your bloodstream.