Dear Diary,
What is freedom? At its core, freedom is the ability to make decisions for oneself. I would wager if we sampled a healthy chunk of the American populace, ‘freedom’ would make up a part of the national identity; it is what we advertise on the packaging. However, for how many Americans is this true? Particularly in light of the latest Supreme Court decisions, the answer is a small minority of wealthy white men. In truth, though, it’s always been that way. We’ve just accepted it because America was blessed with good geography and was spared the ravages of war on its home soil.
There are two genders: Male and political. In the 21st century, at some point, a conversation with a young woman has to be had. This conversation will include the sobering reality that a decision can be made for her wherein her innocence can be taken from her, and she will have to live with it for the rest of her life, but she will have to care for it as well. It won’t matter her physical, emotional, or economic ability to do so; the decision was made for her. That’s what freedom looks like for women in the 21st century.
There are two races: White and political. A couple of days ago, a radicalized eighteen-year-old strapped on body armor and went into a grocery store to kill minorities. This teenager bought into the narrative he was fed via right-wing TV that white people are being replaced and took it upon himself to do something about it with violence. Others complain loudly every year regarding Black History month and ask why isn’t there a ‘White History month,’ yet Euro-centric history is what is taught in schools to every student in every state. White faces adorn monuments across the country and the money you spend. Simply trying to include representation from non-white people becomes a political issue for that same minority who publicly pretends the criminal justice system is colorblind.
There are two political sides: Conservative and political. Frank Wilhoit teaches us, “Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition, to wit: There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect.” George Carlin sums it up more American: “It’s a big ol’ club, and you ain’t in it.” American Freedom™ has always been Wealthy White Men making decisions for other people. The tools didn’t exist before to organize the way they do now with the internet and social media. The ability to become educated didn’t exist before learning about how we are being controlled and manipulated because those in control will not give you the education you need to overthrow them.
Living in a society means there will be rules we follow. I am not advocating for complete anarchy, but having laws apply only to those not rich enough to avoid consequences is not the correct answer. If men get bodily autonomy, so do women. If white people don’t have to worry about being hassled for existing while white, so do black people. If we want to advertise “Land of the Free” let’s mean it and not follow it up with “Home of the Brave” because we’re constantly standing up to people making decisions for us. In the meantime, be brave; you are worth it.