Freedom, equality, and individualism; these three words may seem simple but their meanings go far beyond textbook definition. In many cases, these words define our society. For being American is to be an equal individual with the right to proclaim your separate values and beliefs.
Walt Whitman’s poem, “I Hear America Singing”, is a perfect example of the freedom of an American. Within the poem it states, “Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs,” expressing how every individual in this society sings out their conflicting and divergent songs, speaking their mind even if it’s not at all similar or liked by another. The Declaration of Independence is an example of our well sought for and deserved rights, it is humankind taking a stand to establish our freedoms which we hold so dear. As stated in the Declaration of Independence, “ We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. ” As Americans, our unalienable rights are the clothes on our backs and we wear them with pride knowing no one can strip us of them. “I have a Dream”, this speech by Martin Luther King Jr. is a wonderful example of how each and every person in this country should be equal for we all share the same rights, we all have our untrammeled beliefs, and one’s principles should never outweigh those of another.
Freedom, equality, and individualism; simple yet intricate essentials to our society where one should be able to sing out their song; stand free clothed in their rights; and feel equal among individuals. For when united, we make a whole, a society, a union.
Citations:
Whitman, Walt. ”I Hear America Singing.” 1966,
https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/i-hear-america-singing.
King, Martin L. I Have a Dream. August 28, 1963,
https://www.archives.gov/files/press/exhibits/dream-speech.pdf.
Lily,
This post was very well written. I really enjoyed how you took three passages from important documents and explained how they related to your issue. I agree that “freedom, equality, and individualism” are important when creating a unique society, but I also believe that because people are all different they may value newer ideas such as status or ability to make certain choices. I believe it is this mix of new and old values that creates different cultures. Your compilation of ideas were very interesting to read and I look forward to what you write next.
Sincerely,
Rebecca
Lily, I found this article to be interesting. I think many of the points that you brought up also can apply to many other countries around the world. Countries like Switzerland, Canada, and Denmark all share similar freedoms and many have more freedoms than America. Freedom allows us to function properly as a society and make the world a better place.
I agree with the things you said above, I have found an article that also agrees. I hope you can read this and see new information. http://www.crisismagazine.com/2017/life-liberty-pursuit-happiness