Most of us live in a little bubble of our own privilege. Free from financial burdens, free from restrictive rules and free from the shackles of tyranny. We’re so wrapped up in our own world that we often forget to appreciate our ample freedom.
A little over a year ago, we all felt so claustrophobic and scared when our nationwide lockdowns were imposed. Being trapped in our comfortable homes felt akin to being trapped in a cell. Even with all our luxuries, we still felt as if our freedom was suddenly snatched away. But imagine if you woke up one day and suddenly your life was devoid of all the wondrous things and people that you love.
Imagine if you had to think twice before wearing your favourite pair of jeans or your mini skirt or a sleeveless blouse. What if you were forced to cover every strand of your hair and were not allowed to wear that gorgeous shade of lipstick? Imagine if you no longer had the freedom to go out when you please or wherever you desire to hang out. No more meeting up in public places with your male buddies or going to a fancy restaurant and enjoying a drink. To not be allowed to go to school and be deprived of education, to never enjoy reading a book and to go through life not knowing how to even write or spell your names, now that is truly sad. We take so many of these seemingly trivial things for granted, but to some, these things are luxuries they can never have.
On August 15, 2021, the innocent men, women and children who live in Afghanistan lost their freedom overnight when the Taliban took over Kabul. The rest of us, mere spectators, were shocked and horrified that something like this could possibly happen. Watching people cling on to the wings of US military aeroplanes in a desperate attempt to leave the country was enough to make your hair stand. The whole situation acts as a lesson to us to stop and appreciate what we have. But at the same time, why should these things be luxuries? Why shouldn’t everyone on this planet have this freedom?
Freedom of choice should be everyone’s birthright, especially in regard to things that do not harm or affect other people. From choosing whether to be religious or not to having the opportunity to choose who you love, people should have the right from the moment they are born to the moment that they die, to live their lives the way they see fit.
Unfortunately, human beings think by imposing restrictions they can control others and thereby gain respect but all it does is lead to chaos in the long run. If there’s one thing that history has shown us, dictators and oppressive regimes will always be overthrown. It is up to us to fight for our freedom and our rights. As Herbert Hoover once said, “Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.”
Written By Jessica Albuquerque,
Week 44, November 2021
