Every time you turn on your television, I bet you are saturated with news. There is no doubt that the news is rarely positive. In a world where the social, economic, and political dynamics are changing drastically, it is hard to know what tomorrow might bring. You often hear statements such as “the world we live in today” and “in today’s society” that carry negative connotations. Here are four questions to ask yourself when you are wondering why America is spiraling downward.

1. What would it be like if I couldn't express my opinion?

You have the freedom of speech. You have the right to openly disagree with public policies. You don’t like the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage? You are allowed to say that. It isn’t that simple everywhere you go.

2. What if I was born in a different country?

Women haven’t always been on the same playing field as men. Some would argue that they still aren’t, but they are faced with more equality than they ever have been before. If we lived in Bangladesh, for example, 65% of women would be forced into an arranged marriage before the age of 18. You could easily be 13 years old and married to a man who is 30. You have rights and stability to be thankful for that prevent this in America.

3. Where would I be if I wasn't educated as a child?

While affordability is a major concern with higher education, it is made accessible through grants, loans, and scholarships. In America, primary level education is required of all children while in Sub-Saharan Africa, 33 million children of primary school age remain uneducated. The next time you have a negative comment to make about the United States government, be thankful that “full educational opportunity” is what they are striving for.

4. What if I wasn't able to practice my religion?

Do you think that Planned Parenthood should be shut down entirely? Not only do you have the right to express that opinion, you have the right to say that their policies go against your religious views. On the other hand, America practices a separation of church and state. By most of those who practice religion, this is viewed negatively. However, in countries such as China, religious freedom is very limited for fear of undermining the authority of the Chinese Communist Party which is an openly atheist organization. The separation of church and state does inherently allow for religious freedom in America.

Be glad that you live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Even at our worst, we have it better than most.

Sources:

http://www.humanium.org/en/world/right-to-education/

http://www.ed.gov/esea

https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2014/01/worst-countries-religious-freedom/