What is Freedom and Ten Reasons We Misunderstand What It Is

The concept of freedom has existed since the dawn of man. It is often defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think without hindrance or restraint. It can refer to personal autonomy, political liberty, or the absence of severe restrictions set by authority that affect an individual’s way of life, behavior, or political views. The interpretation of freedom can vary widely depending on cultural, philosophical, legal, and individual perspectives.

Today, in our daily lives, we often find ourselves in a divisive political environment where everyone is talking about freedoms and restrictions. However, these discussions are often driven by biases and party politics, with few looking out for the average American. This level of entitlement is causing us to compromise our freedom to pursue our way.

Our struggle to define shared values and norms we can agree upon has serious consequences. Various influential groups are manipulating people, opinions, and policy decisions, leading to a lack of effort to compromise or collaborate. This misunderstanding of freedom is not just a theoretical debate but a real issue affecting our society.

Here are my ten reasons I believe we often misunderstand what freedom is:

1. Cultural Differences: The diverse understandings of freedom across cultures, shaped by historical, social, and political contexts, are a testament to the richness of human experience. What may be considered a fundamental freedom in one society might be less emphasized or even restricted in another. As the US is a melting pot of cultures, fostering a respectful dialogue rather than resorting to shouting matches is crucial. This approach can help us appreciate the complexity of freedom and avoid further division.
2. Confusion with License: A common misunderstanding is equating freedom with license, the belief that one can do as one pleases without considering the impact on others. True freedom, however, requires a delicate balance between individual rights and social responsibilities. It’s not just about what we can do, but also about what is best for our community and ourselves in the long run.
3. Government Restrictions: Paradoxically, government policies safeguarding freedom can sometimes curtail it. Laws implemented for public safety and order can inadvertently infringe on personal liberties, leading to a blurred understanding of freedom. Today, we see governments reach into the vaults, drag out the most ancient laws, and try to enforce them on Americans. Point in case the State of Arizona invokes an abortion ban law written in the 1800’s. We should update these outdated laws or discard them so renegade legislators can use them as weapons.
4. Economic Constraints: Economic conditions can significantly affect personal freedom. Poor economics and limited access to education or healthcare can limit one’s choices and opportunities, thus restricting freedom in substantial, often overlooked ways. Even when groups are willing to stand with the less economically blessed people, they are overshadowed by the power being driven by those with more wealth and those who don’t want to share any power, whether in business, government, or society.
5. Social Norms: Social pressures and expectations can impede freedom. Even if the law does not restrict specific actions, societal disapproval can be a powerful deterrent, leading to a misunderstanding of freedom. The issue is how some group norms are being forced on groups that disagree without compromise or discussion. For example, as a Christian, I am not in favor of any Christian Nationalism, yet we see these prominent discussions in some sectors of the population today.
6. Misinterpretation of Rights: People often misunderstand the extent and limits of their rights under the banner of freedom. For instance, freedom of speech does not mean one is protected from criticism or consequences of that speech. Yet many politicians feel I can say what I want without filtering or ego-management, while others can’t. All we need to experience this is to watch the current trials of Donald Trump and his arrogance and manipulation.
7. Technological Influence: Technology impacts our understanding of freedom in the digital age. Issues like data privacy and surveillance by state or corporate entities challenge traditional notions of personal space and freedom. Many bad actors in technology today are trying to hold as many captive as possible and extract money in any way possible. Many average citizens blame the technology, but it is a potent tool that we as a government have chosen not to regulate in any way. All of these bad actors will hide behind freedom of expression and the right to access public information in any way possible, legal or illegal.
8. Historical Context: Historical narratives and the legacy of past injustices can shape current understandings of freedom. Groups that have faced historical oppression may have a different view of what freedom means than those from more privileged backgrounds. All we have to examine in this case is the Native Americans during the occupation by those seeking freedom from other countries at the birth of this nation, and the other is our willingness to ignore freedom for all who were transported here as enslaved people. Both situations have people trying to rewrite history and make it seem like it didn’t happen.
9. Philosophical Disagreements: Philosophers and thinkers have debated the concept of freedom for centuries, offering various and sometimes conflicting interpretations. These philosophical debates can make the practical application of freedom complex and misunderstood.
10. Ignorance of Interdependence: There is often a misunderstanding about society’s interdependence. Freedom for one person can sometimes mean restrictions for another, leading to complex moral and ethical dilemmas about the distribution and limits of freedom. This lack of recognition of the interdependence of people, societies, and countries is the most significant factor in this discussion. It seems to be separating us more and more each day, and we need to get a handle on it before it is too late.

Understanding freedom thus requires a nuanced approach that considers legal, ethical, cultural, and personal dimensions. It also requires compromise, collaboration, trust, and patience, which many Americans lack today.