What is Freedom?

In America, we say that we associate freedom with the American flag, the sacrifices that the Veterans make, and apple pie/baseball. But that is not what our actions as a country show. The American Flag is not the only flag that is flown throughout the United States that is considered by racists a proud "representation of freedom". Confederate flags fly free and proud, often next to the American ones. The blood, family, and personal sacrifices that Veterans make everyday are honored by Politicians who give shout outs on Holidays or when it helps their ratings; but who can't pass policies for better healthcare or improve systems that take years to award benefits (often while the Veteran is physically/mentally suffering, and dying, as a result). Apple pie and baseball are both great. They also originated in other countries.

Much like the history that is taught in most schools here, this is just the white-washed version of freedom. We have the ability to do, and be, so much more then that. I think that the true freedom is something that we are fighting for in America right now. Freedom to critically think. Freedom of personal choice. Freedom of identity.

You miss so much when you are only willing to look at things from one perspective or will only acknowledge the history and narrative that you are comfortable with. Your personal comfort isn't what the world operates around and it is your responsibility if you want to expand it. We live in an age where information is everywhere and, if you have access to the internet, then we no longer have an excuse to say "we didn't know". The reality is, if you aren't willing to face these facts then it's because you are prioritizing your feelings, enabling your fear, and unwilling to face yourself to make hard changes.

When we are only willing to look at life like this, through one lens (e.g. one type of news source), then we are missing perspective. Perspective is hard, it often means that we are facing things that we don't want to look at. However, without it then we hurt the people around us. Often without realizing it, because we justify that it is in pursuit of the "greater good". Mary Shelley said it best; "No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks. ".

The Merriam-Webster definition of freedom is "the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.". I think that the definition of "freedom" is having the ability to make your choice, whatever choice that you want, when you know all of the surrounding circumstances.

We are living in unprecedented times where information is literally at our fingertips, but books are getting banned faster then false news. American politics are so full of hypocrisy that its laughable if you don't think about it too hard.

It's easier to limit information, that's why therapists suggest it when people are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. But, that's also how we miss important things that we need to know in order to better care about the people around you. The trick is finding ways to edit information so that you still keep learning without getting caught up in the baggage. That's self-respect and self-care- both for yourself and the community around you.

Being willing to know all of the surrounding circumstances is a type of responsibility that people don't talk about a lot. It's the type of accountability that defines who you are as a person. Are you going to sit back in complacency because its comfortable and easy? Are you willing to face the truth - even though you have to face past mistakes and unlearn assumptions?

This is where the true freedom lies - to be able to makes the choices that you *want* to make. Not making the choices that society or your family or your shame/guilt/anger tells you that you should.

What are you letting define your freedom?