Are We Really Free?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Are We Really Free?

Attack on the First Amendment needs to stop.

15
Are We Really Free?
Science 2.0

Henry Louis Gates once said “censorship is to art as lynching is to justice.” Ever since the beginning of times, freedom of expression and censorship in a free society has been an extremely controversial topic. Freedom of expression is the ability to freely express one’s opinions and thoughts while censorship in a free society, is nothing else than oppression of expression. The First Amendment clearly defends the right to guarantee freedom of expression by prohibiting the Congress from restricting people the right to freely speak their minds. However, if the United States of America is a free country, why do people get censored or persecuted for expressing themselves?

Wheatear is in ancient Rome, Spain, Greece, or modern United States, censorship has existed in every society at every age. The arts challenge the idea of censorship, reaching a point where art that defies any beliefs of any society creates pressure for suppression. Books, paintings, sculptures and many other forms of fine art have been censored by society due to the fact that it has caused controversy in humanity. Writers, painters, musicians and all types of artists seek to confide in their work, meaning that as artists, they decide to express their deepest emotions to their work because it's what makes them feel safe. However, society is always looking for controversy where there is nothing to find. For example, parents of many Harry Potter fans claim that this story teaches witchcraft, sorcery and Satanism. The books and movies never prove such a thing! Just because parents can control what their children read or watch on TV, doesn’t mean that they have the right to ban every book, movie or show that appears slightly provocative. If the work of art challenges society’s “rules” then you can bet your heart that there is going to be a problem and it will definitely create controversy.

One of the most important functions of the arts is to make political and social commentary. All throughout history, artists have managed to express themselves throughout art in order to make a statement. For example, Pink Floyd’s iconic album The Wall, reflects on several incidents that affected him while he was growing up. According to the band the “wall” is the self-isolation barrier they built over their lives and the “bricks in the wall” are the people and events that propelled them to build this metaphorical wall around them. The song Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 is meant to be a rebellion against errand government, against people who bring others down and against what society believes is “right”. It was of course banned in 1977 since people started to rebel after hearing the album due to the fact someone finally stood up and made their voices be heard.

No one gets to decide what is acceptable and what is objectionable for adults because again, people have the right to believe what they want, to express themselves however they desire, and to make their own decisions. On the other hand, for children it is a different story. Up until a child turns 18, he/she is considered a minor in the eyes of the law. However, the fact that children under 18 are not legally considered adults, does not mean that they are not able to have their own opinions. No one has the right to oppress someone else’s ideas just because they don't see eye to eye. People should not be scared to feel free, to be different or to challenge society's "rules". We need to respect other people’s opinions and stop sewing their lips, stop being so closed minded and even though it's a free country it does not feel that way because overall we need to stop preventing people from freely expressing themselves.

We need to let them be free...


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71267
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133390
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments