...Frederick Douglass, his Pursuit of Freedom, and the Abomination of American Slavery Frederick Douglass's autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (1845), reveals a multitude of ways in which African Americans suffered under slavery. The Narrative captures the universality of slavery and its many abuses such as the separation of family and friends, daily beatings, backbreaking labor, scarcity of sleep, suppression of individuality, crushing oppression, and intense racism. The turning point in Douglass’s slavery is his stay with slaveholder Covey. The fight with Covey forms the central moment of the text where he is able to symbolically break free from bondage and become an autonomous human being thus enabling his later escape....
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...Throughout American history, the ideal of freedom has been a perpetual belief held as a cornerstone of the country. Despite this assertion, many within the nation have been chasing freedom since the 1600s. African Americans have an especially unique relationship with the pursuit for liberation, due to their roots in slavery. Within the renown alternative historical novel, The Underground Railroad, author Colson Whitehead chronicles the life of the slave Cora, and her pursuit for freedom and complete liberation from slavery within the south during the 1800s. For the duration of the story, the changing concept of freedom is depicted through the adversity and difficult decisions Cora has to make to chase freedom. Throughout the novel, Colson Whitehead...
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...September 2015 Freedom Rewritten Our freedom is limited because we mistakenly misunderstood what the right to be free meant. Thomas Jefferson’s, “The Declaration of Independence,” argues in his 1776 draft that if the government goes against what people want, they have a right to rebel and form a new type of government. As well as, if there is an unbalanced amount of respect, we the people are turned down the right to a full voice and the activation of our rights. With that being said, he expressed American Freedom around what we were willing to risk for a change and what we would allow come between our wants and needs. Naomi Wolf’s, “Freedom is intended as a challenge,” explains The Declaration of Independence in a way that would be more modernized for people that could not grasp what Jefferson was meaning. Wolf also continues to elaborate the challenges Americans personally sacrifice for the sake of freedom. Having said that, the pursuit of happiness mirrors the time period in which we live in. Nowadays you see the laws changing all around us. Currently same-sex marriage is now legal but just a few years ago they weren’t allowed to. Black people and white people are no longer segregated and 23 states have change their drug laws and have made marijuana legal. Everyday seems like the idea of freedom is changing. The pursuit of happiness is a reflection over how it was back then and how it is now. In Jefferson’s writing he uses words like “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”...
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...What does Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Mean to You? The Declaration of Independence is the most important piece of all American historical documents. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness might ring a bell, but for others it’s a whole different story. “Freedom is Intended as a Challenge” by Naomi Wolf mentions in her reading about Thomas Jefferson who was one of the writers of “The Declaration of Independence” had two main ideas which were individually and happiness, the pursuit of happiness. As Wolf researches she comes up with the idea that Jefferson had the idea that we would live a life that was guaranteed, Wolf explains “liberation is not about a historical moment that had happened in the past it is more of a destination of the mind” (636). Life is not all about being born in America and being free, people around us must continue their happiness, and find their own meaning of liberty. Wolf is a piece that takes a deeper look into the current perception of how the Declaration of Independence. Wolf believes us present day Americans have a right sense of what really happened in the late 1700’s. Wolf explains how many American’s now just look at the Declaration of Independence as just a piece of paper, and not taken as serious as it should be. The Declaration of Independence is supposed to be looked at on how free America is, as the Declaration of Independence states, “We hold truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed...
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...Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness When our forefathers drafted the Declaration of Independence, they were seeking a place where “all men are created equal” with the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” They were the dreamers who saw potential in America. A little further down the road to the 1880s and Americans were still dreaming of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in a world where all men are created equal. We commonly refer to it as “the American Dream.” This phrase was first used in 1931 to describe the attraction that brought immigrants to America. The pursuit of the American Dream is still something that is chased by the masses today. Huck Finn, Jim and Pap were all seeking to achieve that dream, though it had different meanings for each of them. Huck’s pursuit of the American Dream had to do with being able to be free to go where and when he wanted, without seeking permission from anyone. Huck felt if he were free to do as he pleased, then he would be a rich man. His happiness had nothing to do with financial wealth. Huck stated that fact to Judge Thatcher. I don’t want it at all-nor the six thousand, nuther I want you to take it; I want to give it to you-the six thousand and all…Don’t you ask me no questions about it please. You’ll tale it-won’t you?...Please take it..and don’t ask me nothing-then I wont have to tell no lies. (Twain 25). When Huck saw money, he did not equate that with happiness. Instead, he...
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...Sammy believed that Stokesie was conforming himself to the overrated demands of the corporate ladder by aspiring to be the manager of the store. While Sammy addressed conformity throughout the entire story, he did not fully understand it until he understood the girls. The girls served as a symbol of freedom for Sammy. Their insistence to ignore societal norms helped Sammy realize that being different, even rebellious, was ok. Sammy learned to stand up against conformity and to stand firm in what he believed was right; that is the most significant moment for A and P. While Sammy learned the importance of freedom, he also learned that freedom comes with consequences. This was shown through the last few sentences of the story, which stated, “His face was dark and gray and his back stiff, as if he’d just had an injection of iron, and my stomach kind of fell as I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter” (323). In this change of tone, Sammy felt regret for his actions and this...
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...Panel 1: Joshua Louis, 7/9/15, Ms. Parker, Freedom Pamphlet! Panel 2: The Declaration of Independence will always be recognized as the most important document in pursuit of freedom. This document stands as the reminder of a people’s struggle to Claim and win their independence against tyranny and unlawful acts. Historical experts continue to study the wording, structure and history of this document even today. While every American should be familiar with this most important document, many are not. Those people probably thought their ancestors one day woke up with the same rights they have, but that's not the case. They must acknowledge the hardships and sacrifices their ancestors went through to give them freedom. Panel 3: The first principle of popular sovereignty underlies the entire Declaration of Independence. It begins with the huge "We the People". Unlike most of world history and governments of the time, the Americans proclaimed that the people were sovereign, not King or Parliament. Popular sovereignty comes from natural rights, granted by "the Creator". As a consequence, no legitimate government may exist without the "consent of the governed Panel 4: Based on the Declaration of Independence, It begins with a statement that all men are created equal, that this is 'self evident', that everyone is entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (John Locke originated this phrase as 'life liberty and estate', estate being more than just property), and when...
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...must not exist, but does that mean he himself does not exist either? And if one doubts the existence of his or her body and senses, then the rest of the world must not exist either, therefore, one is persuaded that he himself does not exist. This leads the author to the conclusion that he exists, since he was there to be persuaded. Descartes reasons that while we must doubt everything, "doubting" is a form of thinking, which is solid proof that the he that is doing the thinking exists, and is a thinking thing. If something is believed to be true by the majority or the ruling class, does not necessitate it to be true. John Stuart Mill in On Liberty emphasizes three types of liberty; the first one he discusses to no coincidence is the freedom of thought. Mill argued that for an opinion or belief to be considered true, they must be challenged and debated. The only way one can be confident that he /she is right is to ensure complete liberty to contradict his or her opinions. A minority thought or opinion must not be suppressed simply on the basis of it being a minority,...
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...Analysis American culture value through the film The Pursuit of Happiness The reason why the Hollywood films are popular, besides its wonderful plots, the characters in the films could always reflect the special American cultural values to audiences. The American spirit such as individualism, heroism, religious and pursuit of freedom are all reflect in the Hollywood films. However, the American dream is a unique American culture and has inspired many Americans to rely on personal struggle to make their dreams come true. Films from different culture have their different cultural values, in turn, the different cultures have reflect and strengthen their own culture values in their films, so that audiences could get to know the mainstream American culture values from Hollywood films. Hollywood as the largest American film media has created many motivation films to express the importance values of American dreams to the world. The film The Pursuit of Happiness (2006) by Gabriele Muccino is a very classical Hollywood biographical film which is based on Chris Gardner’s life story. The film talks about how a homeless man success from the hardship and finally became a famous investment expert through his struggle step by step. The narrative of the main character Chris’s story refers to the key aspect of American Dream which is the equity opportunity of everyone in the society. It has showed the thought that happiness will come to everyone as long as we do not give up and make unremitting...
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...In some countries throughout the world, the parents of teenagers have the ability to prohibit their kids from dating certain people, and therefore also have the right in telling them who they are to marry. Many people still believe that it is the duty of parents to do so. But by not giving teens the freedom to make their own decisions, they will suffer due to this oppression. Parents should not have the right to forbid teenagers from dating certain people. When parents forbid their children from dating certain people or force them to marry a certain person, it can cause them to feel depressed and take away their pursuit of happiness. For example, in the Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet, act III, scene V, Juliet is devastated and even threatens to kill herself when her mother, Lady Capulet, informs her of the news that she will be marrying Paris soon. Romeo was the only man that made her happy and Juliet’s parents did not know that she was already married to Romeo, the man who killed her cousin Tybalt. The same is still true today. The United States Declaration of independence states three...
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...John Stuart Mill: On Liberty Name: Sedig Elhassan Student Number: 210916914 Professor: Marc Weinstein Teacher’s Assistant: Paul amazzoc Course Code: HREQ 1720 John Stuart Mill was known as a political economist, British philosopher and influential contributor to social and political theory. J.S. Mill was famous for his writing on individual liberty and utilitarianism (). He believed individual liberty is essential in evolving society as well as unleashing the truth (). Mills ideas stretched to governing every aspect of human liberty promoting change, innovation, and the development of societies. His greatest concern was that human beings will form into a “collective norm” where human innovation would not exist; thus, Mill created unique conditions in which his concepts of individual liberty may flourish. Although his notions became problematic he was still able to clarify the benefits that came with individual liberty. J.S. Mill clearly illustrated the significance of individual liberty, while interlinking the cultural effects on individual liberty. Mainly, J.S. Mill emphasis the abolishment of tyranny whether politically or socially while promoting a simplistic yet effective view on societal growth and individual liberty. Mill created a view that attempt to create utilitarianism in a society that seemed too governed by limited scope. John Stuart Mill solidified the concept on individual liberty by developing the harm principle which argued that individuals should...
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...Darrin Triplett Business PHI Midterm 18 October 2012 In the quest for freedom, people have abandoned religion and spirituality in claims to it imposing restrictions over individuality, only instead, to become slaves to a materialistic lifestyle. In Max Weber book, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, he explains that this exchanging of spiritual slavery for material slavery was not necessarily a fair deal, and pointed out that the Protestant reformation was responsible for trapping people inside an invisible prison under the argument of rationalization; which he referred to this as the "iron cage". As Weber gives a historical account for how capitalism was influenced and exercised by religious doctrines, he illustrates a condition of humanity that has led to modern economic conditions, in which we produce ideals about our natural condition that subordinates individuality and imprisons us to a system that we have created. This essay will explore Weber’s idea on the development of western capitalism from the Protestant Reformation and how its belief system created psychological pressures in enforcing conduct. In illuminating the characteristics of the Protestant ethic and its impact on the formation of economic order, it will be examined here how modern capitalism has come to compare in enforcing social conduct. During the reformation, Weber explains that this was not only the time that capitalism developed but also was the period during Protestantism. According...
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...of this assignment could not have been more perfect. As I sit down to reflect upon what being an American means to me, I do so on the heels of preparing for tomorrow evening’s Law Seminar class where we are in the throes of the Con Law – boring as it sounds, studying the Constitution for approximately 15 to 12 hours a week. And with this being said, I will begin my guided journal entry by describing my new found reverence for our founding fathers and for the great resolve I now have to uphold the Constitution and embrace my freedoms – thoughts to which I have not given much consideration before Law Sem and this assignment. Our country’s architects envisioned a nation that protects life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness from the forceful interference by others. This assignment will attempt to describe my passion for being American based on those three protections. Regarding the protection of life, being an American means living a life of freedom where justice, equality, and fairness are paramount in our legal system. As an American, I want to support our government and its interests and want to do my best to remain loyal to our nation’s leaders. However, when I differ with our leaders, I am confident that I, as an American, have a hand in appointing the appropriate leaders by voting and by taking responsibility to be fully informed and aware of the issues that I am either not in agreement or continue to doubt. Being an American gives me liberties that individuals...
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...Republican Tradition’s ideals are essential to an ideal society are its emphasis on a balance of the self and civic interest, education, and social justice. The balance of the self and civic interest is imperative to this ideal society. One should be able to pursue one’s own self-interest, unless one can contribute to a greater good of society. The idea of education and social justice go hand in hand. According to Thomas Jefferson, the model of the Republican Tradition, “the best defense of freedom was an educated people actively participating in government.” (Bellah 31). In order to establish the rules and governing bodies of this society, a wholly educated population that took an active interest in government affairs is critical to maintain equal freedom for all. This is where the leadership of the society emerges and falls in line with what James McGregor Burns termed as “transforming leadership.” The foundation of this is that “whatever separate interests persons might hold, they are…united in pursuit of ‘higher’ goals…tested by the achievement of significant change that represents the collective or pooled interests of leaders and followers.” (Burns 425-27). The government and its regulations are adaptive, as they reflect the changing needs of its...
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...UKs first experience of Liberalism put into practice was in 1868 under Gladstone’s Liberal government. Early Liberalist ideas concentrated largely around core values of freedom, individualism and a minimal state. However, revisionists have deployed a modern liberalism, which in many ways have departed from core themes of Classic Liberals. Classic Liberalism has a heavy focus surrounding the core value of freedom, which also overlap the core theme of a minimalistic state. However, the evolution of liberalism, has brought about a different perspective as to what extent freedom should be exercised and at what point the state have a responsibility to implement restrictions. Early liberals such as John Locke and Adam Smith supported a ‘negative freedom’ whereby individuals were left to make their own choices without interferences from the state. J.S Mill another classic liberal proposed a very simple principle known as the Harm Principle. The harm principle is a concept which acknowledges the need for government intervention only when one’s action is physically detrimental to another. This again defends the concepts of both ‘negative freedom’ and a minimalistic state. Locke proposed the idea of ‘Natural Rights’ which specified god given rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The idea of the pursuit of happiness, follows that an individual is the best judge of what is best for them and that no external force should have the right to exercise their practical power...
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