Ten Things We Misunderstand About Freedoms and Possible Reasons Why

Misunderstanding the concept of freedom can lead to confusion, but it can also potentially harm individual rights and societal responsibilities.

Here are ten common misunderstandings about freedoms:

1. Freedom Means No Rules: Many believe freedom implies a lack of rules, but true freedom often involves laws and regulations that protect everyone’s rights. Freedom is about balancing everyone’s rights with an eye toward inclusion.
2. Unlimited Freedom: Absolute freedom is a myth; individual freedoms are often limited to prevent harm to others and ensure a functioning society. Far too many films focus on a dystopian world where tribes return but exist only based on anarchy and self-determination. This is not freedom.
3. Freedom From Consequences: Some think freedom means actions without repercussions, but freedom comes with responsibility, and actions often have consequences.
4. Freedom as Isolation: Freedom is sometimes seen as independence from others, but true freedom often involves interdependence and cooperation within a community. No nation can survive being isolated from the rest of the world; all we need to do is look at our dependence on foreign oil here in the US.
5. Freedom as a Zero-Sum Game: Some believe that one person’s gain in freedom means another’s loss, but freedoms must coexist and be mutually reinforcing.
6. Freedom as Instant Gratification: People often mistake freedom for the ability to do anything immediately, but absolute freedom usually involves patience, discipline, persistence, and delayed gratification.
7. Freedom as Absence of Constraints: Many equate freedom with the absence of constraints, but some constraints (like laws against violence) enhance overall freedom by providing security.
8. Freedom is Only Political: Freedom is often thought of purely in political terms, but it also encompasses personal, economic, and social dimensions.
9. Freedom is Free: True freedom often requires sacrifices, struggle, and vigilance; it is not automatically granted or sustained. We must understand this and take responsibility for our freedom, whether by staying informed, participating in civic activities, or advocating for our rights.
10. Freedom from External Threats Only: While external threats to freedom are significant, internal factors like ignorance, fear, and prejudice can also limit true freedom.

Grasping these subtleties broadens our understanding and empowers us to navigate the complexities of freedom more effectively, fostering a more comprehensive and realistic view of what it truly means to be free. This, in turn, can lead to a more harmonious and just society where individual rights are respected and societal responsibilities are upheld.

However, failing to grasp the true essence of freedom can lead to significant societal challenges. Understanding the reasons behind these misunderstandings is crucial, as it empowers us to address them effectively. Here are some reasons why this might be happening:

1. The diminishing focus on civic education in schools is a significant factor. It leaves many without a fundamental grasp of the principles and importance of freedoms in a democratic society. This trend can be traced back to the shift in educational priorities in the late 20th century, where subjects like history and civics were devalued in favor of STEM fields.
2. Authoritarian Trends: The rise of authoritarian leadership globally can normalize the curtailing of freedoms, making people more accepting of restrictions in the name of security or order.
3. Polarization and Partisanship: Extreme political polarization can lead to a tribal mindset, where people support limiting freedoms for those with opposing views, undermining the universal application of these rights. This is where we are today.
4. Surveillance and Privacy Issues: Advances in technology and the proliferation of surveillance can erode privacy and other freedoms, often justified by the need for security or convenience.
5. Economic instability and inequality exert a powerful influence. They can make individuals more amenable to relinquishing freedoms in exchange for the promise of economic security or stability.
6. Misinformation and Propaganda: Misinformation and propaganda can distort people’s understanding of freedoms, making them more susceptible to accepting restrictions based on false narratives or fears. Certain media outlets or political groups often perpetuate this, highlighting the importance of media literacy and critical thinking in understanding freedom.
7. Complacency and Apathy: In stable societies, people may take their freedoms for granted, leading to complacency and a lack of vigilance in protecting these rights.
8. Cultural Shifts: Changing cultural norms and values can influence perceptions of freedom, where collective well-being is sometimes prioritized over individual liberties.
9. National Security Concerns: Events like terrorism or pandemics can lead to heightened security measures, often at the expense of personal freedoms, with people more willing to accept these trade-offs during crises.
10. Complexity of Modern Issues: Modern societal issues are complex and multifaceted, often requiring nuanced solutions that balance freedoms with other considerations like public health and safety, which can blur the role and limits of freedoms. While true, this issue is often used as an excuse to hide or manipulate others.

Confronting these factors necessitates not just individual effort but a collective one. It requires a renewed focus on education, civic engagement, and the unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles and human rights. Together, we can make a difference.