America the free society

Free Society

To define freedom in society, we look at the statement made by F. A. Hayek, “If we wish to preserve a free society, we must recognize that the desirability of a particular object is not sufficient justification for the use of coercion.” The definition of a society is a “group of individuals involved in a persistent social interaction, or a large social group sharing the same social territory, typically subject to the same political authority and cultural expectations.” This statement relates to how a free society works. In America, most of us know nothing other than being in a “free” country. From the “Pledge of Alliance” to any sporting event where the “National Anthem” has been played, we learn at a young age. A free society is defined as where individuals act entirely out of their own will.” An example of this is having the ability of freedom of speech. Traveling to other countries, one will experience the difference of space that we have taken for granted.

The idea of a free society gives everyone the option to do anything they decide to do. As an American, I have the freedom to say or do anything that I choose. The only thing that can change my choice is the consequences of my choice. That consequence can be losing my freedom to a jail sentence. In other countries, people are persecuted or even killed to express the freedoms we in America take for granted.  While in America, the punishment of jail is a way to take away your freedom, and you lose your free society. Many different cultures came to America and had to “earn” their freedom. This happened with the Europeans when they tried to leave the shadow of the English government, to women gaining their right to vote and work jobs that were previously only thought to be created for men. And finally, slaves had to “earn” their freedom. This includes the Japanese in the west, the Irish in the Northeast, and the Africans in primarily the south. Now, most of these cultures came over on their own besides the slaves of Africa.

So, I believe that in America, we live in a free society. Some people may say that they disagree that America is a free society but think of the Chinese government. The government of China has done multiple things to keep their people from being a free society. From only being allowed to have one child but not two, forcing women to have abortions, or watch state-run television but not be allowed to listen to the free radio in Asia, they jam broadcast signals. This is not freedom, which is why we have people putting themselves in dangerous predicaments to try to get to America. In America, during Covid 19 times, people are upset that they are being told to wear a mask if they want to go somewhere. In other countries, you would be arrested or beaten for not wearing a mask or even stepping outside. In America, you just are asked to leave the establishment, or some places will even provide you with a mask. So, when you look at it America is a free society, but you have realized that freedom comes with a choice. You can do anything you want, but you must face the consequences of your choices. America is the land of the free and we get to choose our freedom.