Premium Essay

What Is Freedom

In:

Submitted By tjkrass
Words 1294
Pages 6
Freedom, to many people does not necessarily mean they are free. There are many degrees and definitions of freedom throughout the history of America many different races, genders, and ethnicities experienced. The varieties of freedom come from multiple groups of people such as slaves, indentured servants, Native Americans, property owners, and Puritans. All of these groups had their own definition of freedom they experienced, ranging from little to no freedom, freedom from the land they possessed, and the freedom to worship any God they so choose. However, some of these freedoms conflicted with the freedoms of others. First and foremost, there were many groups of people who had little to no freedom in seventeenth – century North America. Among these people, there were the slaves who were forced upon their will to come over to America from Africa and work for the masters who claimed them. Slaves by far had the least amount of freedom given to them when they came to America. In slave work on the plantations is described in the words of Eric Foner as “far more demanding than in the household slavery common to in Africa, and death rate among slaves much higher” (p. 98). This shows how slaves had little to no freedom to choose how much or how long they wanted to work and the lifestyle the slaves lived was dictated by their masters. Another group of settlers that came to America to try and start a new life for were the indentured servants. These indentured servants, being about 2/3 of the Englishmen that immigrated, could not pay their way to come to the New World. As indentured servants, those who were indentured servants were required to voluntarily give up their freedom for a certain number of years, usually five to seven years, and pay it back to the masters or person who claimed them of the boat. However, unlike the slaves who were brought to America from Africa,

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

What Is Freedom?

...Tsirgiotis Honors English IV 24 August 2015 What is Freedom? Freedom is the ability to think or perform without any restrictions other than the restrictions that are given at birth, but for some, those restrictions are not there. Although absolute freedom is the absence of jurisdiction, a restricted freedom is what people in most countries experience since birth, and since freedom is restricted to an extent, it allows for people to live securely in the hands of a country such as America. Restricted freedoms allow for others to safely secure an identity for themselves, and creates individuality. Even without the use of laws, morals still effect the decision making of others. With all of these definitions of freedom combined, it shapes into what we call freedom every day. Since birth, humans are raised on a multitude of morals that dictate their entire life, and these morals are what humans base their entire decision making on. Though most humans have the right to think whatever thoughts they choose, actions are typically restricted to a certain degree. It is morals that allow humans to live in a society that is typically free from fear and hatred, but other humans can have a different set of morals that tend to spread hatred in a society. Morals are what prevent most people from committing murder of thievery every day, although some choose to disregard morals and impose ill-will on others, which is way to be free from morals, but what prevents people from committing such atrocities...

Words: 768 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

What Does Freedom Mean to Me

...Freedom and What It Means To Me Freedom, like most words, is defined in different ways by different people. The definitions can change over generations. Even different regions of the world could have an alternate idea of what freedom means to them. Most people define freedom as being able to do what you want, when you want. Some find this definition to be very generic, and not truly touch on what freedom really means. Freedom goes deeper than being able to do, say, or act in any manner at any given time or place. According to Oxford Dictionary freedom means “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint”. (Oxford Dictionaries) While this is true, someone can consider themselves free but still be contained by a higher power, and be obligated to obey the laws of human nature. Freedom is the power to do, say, and feel how you want as long as it doesn’t hinder someone else’s freedom. Most people believe that freedom is a right, but as we see in communist countries like North Korea and China, even your thoughts are controlled by the government. Some people believe that our freedoms are restricted by laws and other legal documents that on the down low affect our freedoms, but play it off like safety concerns. For instance if someone doesn’t like seat belts, they could argue that they are uncomfortable. They could add that they restrict movements when they are driving. Would they have the freedom to not wear a seatbelt? The answer is...

Words: 749 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

What Does Freedom Mean To Me

...Freedom to me means to be able to dress how I want, to work how I want, to say and do what I want. Freedom to me means no one can tell me what to do and when to do it. Being free has opened many opportunities for America. We can do much more than other countries that have no freedom at all. Freedom to me means that we can believe in what we choose to believe in, we have the right to be who we want to be. Another type of freedom to me is having people, soldiers, fighting for each and everyone of us, no matter what. They try their hardest to fight for our freedom, fight for our rights, and most importantly, fight for themselves and their families. My family has no experience or any history with the wars. I cannot speak from experience but others...

Words: 326 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

What Freedom Do You Speak of?

...What Freedom do you speak of? “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” (The First Amendment) In 1787 when the Constitution was proposed people expressed the concern that the document failed to specify the fundamental rights of the people that would be immune from assault by federal officials. We knew not only from the study of history but also from personal experience, that the tendency of governments throughout history was to abuse their powers, especially in times of emergency. The people feared that the federal government would somehow break out of the original Constitution’s enumerated powers straitjacket and misuse its powers to violate the fundamental rights it was charged with protecting. The enumeration of those rights and the express restrictions on government power in the Bill of Rights were to ensure that this didn’t happen. The first thing to notice here is that, contrary to popular opinion, this amendment does not give people the rights to free speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, or the right to petition the government for redress of grievances. The Constitution does not give people any rights whatsoever, so this is why I value no freedom most. Instead, it operates as a restriction on the interference...

Words: 889 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Explain What Freedom Means To Me

...As Americans, we have many rights and freedoms as stated in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, such as the right to privacy and the right to vote as well as freedom of speech and freedom of religion. However, these rights we have as Americans did not come easily. When I think about what freedom means to me, while it makes me happy to think about all the freedoms and privileges my family and I have in America, it also makes me sad because of all those brave soldiers who died trying helped us earn and keep those rights. I haven’t always realized how fortunate I am to live in a country where my family and I can live without fear. Not many countries in the world are like America; in fact, no other country is. At twelve years old, my greatest stress is having to endure being constantly tested and made...

Words: 474 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

What Does Freedom Mean To Me

...To me, freedom mean the United States. Throughout history, the United States had fought for their freedom. The things that help them achieve are Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Right, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Speech. These events help us become the country that is today. Freedom to me is to let go. Like not being control by others. This what happen to the American with Great Britain but.... The Declaration of Independent was created to separates from Great Britain government. Before the Declaration of Independent, King George III was controlling the 13 states (colonist) with unfair laws and acts. All the states want the most was freedom. Soon, all the states sent 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia,...

Words: 399 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

What Freedom of Speech Means to Me

...What Freedom of Speech Means to Me To me, the right of freedom of speech in the first amendment in the Constitution is one of the most important rights American citizens have. It means that I can voice and express my personal opinions and uphold the original goals of our government. First, this gives me the right to voice and express myself wherever and whenever I choose, as long as I don’t interfere with anyone else’s Constitutional rights. Second, the United States would be in an extremely weak state if citizens didn’t have the right to freedom of speech. Without freedom of speech in our Bill of Rights, people couldn’t stand up for what they believe in. I think that if a person has an opinion or point they want to voice they should be able to without anything standing in their way. Furthermore, not having this right would mean that it would be nearly impossible for certain organizations to form because they wouldn’t be able to express their views. Also, since the United States has the freedom of speech, citizens are able to have a larger voice in their government. These people who voice their opinions can sway their government officials’ position on current issues. In conclusion, I believe that freedom of speech is a very essential part of our government’s relationship between citizens and government officials. If we didn’t have freedom of speech, our government wouldn’t be “of the people, by the people, for the people”; government officials would be making...

Words: 267 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

What Does Freedom Mean To Me

...What does freedom mean to me? I think that it is a huge privilege to be able able to live in such a great country like america. America has many differents types of freedoms. One of the many freedoms is the freedom of speech, to be able to speak what we believe. Freedom of speech includes the right to use certain offensive words and phrases. To gage in symbolic speech, and many more. Another one of our many freedoms is the right to praise whatever god we please. To have that freedom means a lot to me. Also, to have the right to believe whatever religion we want. Having the freedom to go to any church we would like, or just having the option to go to church. Some countries do not have that choice, which is why that freedom means a lot to...

Words: 302 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

What Does Freedom Mean to You

...*What does freedom mean to you? Freedom can mean different things depending on the situation. Freedom is an important theme on Frederick Douglass's "Narrative Life" as well as my chosen books "Worst Case" by James Patterson and "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank. All these books illustrate the theme of freedom in different ways, but all follow a theme of personal freedom. Freedom is not easily achieved for any of the characters in these three books. * Michael Benette is the main character in "Worst Case". He is the lead detective on an on going serial killer case. Emily Parker is New York cities FBI abduction specialist, also Benettes partner. The case that they were given involves a serial killer who abducts innocent children of extremely wealthy families in New York city. It's their job to make sure that the children come back safe and hopefully alive. * Benette and Parker relate to Douglass because they all had been robbed of their freedom. Benette and Parker had becomes slaves to the serial killer. This killer would leave no clues or ransoms. It was up to them to jump start the case. They worked day and night to make sure that the kids were free from the killer. All their time is taken away by the investigation. This puts a hold on their personal time, work became life for them, and the serial killer didn't make it easier for anyone. *Work took over Douglass's life as well. He was never given a chance to have a personal life. It was taken away from him when he was...

Words: 770 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

What Is The Theme Of Freedom In Fahrenheit 451

...always had their differences, and continue to stand strong in what they believe in. The people have sustained being diligent and secure in being oneself, and not letting someone else get to them. Though sometimes it may be hard to fight the urge to conform with everyone else, everyone should be feeling what Montag had been feeling at that moment; enlightenment. People nowadays have two options, and projecting oneself rather than being obscure should be the way to go. This society is heading towards the thought of individuality over conformity because of the astounding freedom and diversity there already is. Continuing to flourish in these thoughts is exactly what will happen and soon everyone will think along the lines of Montag. Millennials today are constantly trying to find themselves, whether it be their personality, their friends, and their future. Just like Montag, people these days are continuously looking for answers. Erica Williams Simon, a social and communications influence and strategist, came up with a statement that best describes individuality in the article “Getting Some ‘Me’ Time: Why Millennials are so Individualistic” (Raphelson 23). She says, "They are not as interested in politics, but are interested in social change and finding creative, innovative ways to make a difference that are in a way more effective than the systems of the past." This finalizes Montag’s way of thinking when he wasn’t sure what was right or wrong. He was never worried about the law behind...

Words: 1013 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

What Is Frederick Douglass's Search For Freedom

...in Tuckahoe in Talbot County, Maryland Douglass was put through many challenges the few rare positive encounters but generally negative ones on his search for freedom. Eventually, after years and years of numerous struggles he reaches his goal of finding freedom. The struggles begin right away in Douglass’s life when he is not given the privilege of knowing how old he is, “A want of information concerning my own was a source of unhappiness to me even during childhood.” (Dougglass 810). Sadly, Douglass has little to no memory of his mother is, due to the fact that he was taken away from her when he was a child. However, at roughly seven years old there was a rumor going around that his master at the time, Captain Anthony, a white man was his father....

Words: 592 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Definition Essay: What Does Freedom Mean?

...What does freedom mean? Freedom means that you can choose to dress and express yourself the way you want. Not everyone has the right to do so. I think of all the wars our country has fought , and still is fighting, So we can have the wonderful gift of freedom. There have been many brave women and men who have risked their lives so we can live the way we want to in the united states. We still have women in men that's fighting for our freedom now. Some of my relatives have fought in different wars. My mom,my great uncle,and my auntie fought to defend our great country, knowing that they could be killed.Furthermore,Freedom means to be able to vote for whoever you want to be in office, freedom of press and many other freedoms that we take...

Words: 363 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

To What Extent Do Liberals Disagree over Freedom

...To what extent do liberals disagree over freedom? (15) Liberals believe that each human being is an individual who is rational. Therefore implying that each individual should have freedom. However the extent to this freedom causes a divide within liberals, as shown by Isiah Berlin who distinguished between ‘negative’ liberty and ‘positive’ liberty. Liberals disagree over the extent and nature of freedom. ‘Negative’ liberty supported by classic liberals implies that individuals should be free from constraint, free from external restriction and a lack of interference allowing for freedom of choice therefore a need for the rolling back of the state. This firm belief in individualism-as humans are rational, leads to the classic liberal belief that individuals can flourish without state intervention as human beings are self-interested creatures who are self-reliant and therefore create an atomistic society. This freedom supported by classic liberals allows individuals to act as they wish whatever the consequences as the consequences can’t be said to limit freedom (as that would be against their belief of complete freedom) but are bad luck, not caused by the state therefore the objects that interfere with the classic liberals ideas of freedom include state legislations not natural occurrences that can’t be stopped. Therefore they believe in the silence of the laws to ensure freedom. Modern liberals on the other hand who believe in ‘positive’ freedom have a different idea of the...

Words: 594 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

What Does Freedom Mean To Me Research Paper

...In a world with so many options, we fail to see the things that are right in front of our eyes, we fail to truly grasp our freedom. Every day we wake up and stress over the daily burdens of life, we go day in and day out without the satisfaction of life's true beauty. To me, freedom is not only being free, but feeling free; to do, to say, to be, to literally do anything whatsoever and however, wherever and whenever. Because I am myself, and only I own me, therefore I can, so come what may, I believe I am free, free as a bird. Granted freedom does come with responsibility, freedom without responsibility is debauchery, if you think about it a criminal is someone who practices their freedom without any regard for responsibility. So in turn, to be free does not mean you should go out and cause anarchy, but means bringing peace where peace is needed....

Words: 481 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Definition Essay: What Does Freedom Mean To Me

...What does freedom mean to me. What does freedom caustic to me? Freedom means a myriad of things like freedom of speech, but i'm going to tell you what I think freedom means. I think freedom is to not having to be afraid when you fall asleep and not having to be afraid that people from other countries and harm us and our love one's. Freedoms is the right to just craft something and not get killed for what you thought. I think freedom is to get a job you want and not to be forced to work there your whole life without a good pay. Freedom is being able to get your own land and build what you want on it without people coming and breaking it. Freedom is being able to go outside without getting shot because you have a different color of...

Words: 308 - Pages: 2