Freedom -- An Obligation
I just finished reading Jules R's blog here on InnocenceAtlanta.org entitled "Inside Innocence Atlanta" and it got me thinking.
I thought about what kind of people enter into the realm of Social Issues and why. I also thought about the word "Freedom" and what it really means.
Jules R explained in her post that she wanted desperately to see justice spring forth in her community. Even though she was a recent college graduate and had a variety of offers thrust her way, she opted for something rather non-traditional; something different from the security that a quintessential 9 to 5 brings. Thus, she ended up working with Innocence Atlanta.
Yet, I wonder what separates people's personalities. Why do some people feel so naturally obligated, even from small children, to implement justice and spread goodwill both within our communities and to communities abroad?
It's a hard question to answer. I know that -- as far as I'm concerned -- there was always an inbred rage that welled up within my bones like fire whenever I saw something on the news or heard something in passing or witnessed something I deemed as injustice.
I wanted to change the injustices. I wanted the tools to help others. Furthermore, I wanted other people to be aware of what was going on.
Then I began thinking about Freedom. The American Heritage Dictionary defines freedom in a variety of ways, such as the following:
"The condition of being free of restraints."
Liberty of the person from slavery, detention, or oppression.
Exemption from the arbitrary exercise of authority in the performance of a specific action; civil liberty: freedom of assembly.
The right of enjoying all of the privileges of membership or citizenship: the freedom of the city.
Exemption from an unpleasant or onerous condition: freedom from want.
The capacity to exercise choice; free will
There are a variety of definitions for Freedom, as is plain to see. However, although Freedom may pertain to a variety of different contexts, depending upon the use thereof, its primary function is to allow people to do as they please without censure on behalf any tyrannical force that would prohibit free choice.
It is safe to say that every individual the world over, despite religious affiliation, ethnicity or political ideology, wishes to be free and would rather be free -- this does not waver.
Therefore, as freedom loving citizens of any country, we are all bound together by our desire to both attain and maintain our personal freedoms.
I realized that it doesn't take a specific type of person to care about social ills in the world and it doesn't take a specific type of person to then make the decision to combat and attempt to solve those social ills.
Everyone wants to be free, it is an obligation to our humanity and well-being. One of the ways that we can ensure freedom for ourselves is to make sure we are ensuring freedom for those around us (understanding that we are a global community).
Ladies and gentlemen, when freedom is not exercised then it can easily be taken away. Let us prohibit the loss of our personal freedoms by not taking them for granted and by realizing that, all throughout the world, there are countless others who do not have the Freedoms we have.
Some may think that it is not their place, nor their talent, nor their duty to combat Social Issues such as the Sex Slavery Trade. Yet, it is essential to your freedoms and the maintenance thereof to combat slavery in any form, in any location. In combating slavery, we in turn prevent slavery and tyranny from occurring in our own lives.
You may have a 9 to 5, you may be going to school, you may have a family, you may be very busy and you may have other interests. You may not have the time to do what people like Jules R and others at Innocence Atlanta are doing. However, you do have the time to help them be more effective.
Simply understanding the slavery that goes on in our world, paying attention to it and acknowledging it will help organizations like Innocence Atlanta out greatly.
Digging posts, voting on posts, commenting, telling others, participating in information, donating money -- all of these simple actions help maintain your freedoms and aid others in attaining their own freedom.
So, the next time you think that participating in social issues is just something that certain people are "cursed" with, as Jules R explained on her recent post, think about your freedoms. It will become rapidly obvious that freedom is an obligation and that you really do care whether or not you have it and if others have it.
Then, ask yourself what you can do. Most of the time you don't even have to leave your home or office, but you can still make an impact for those in slavery all throughout the globe.
Written by: William Mac
