What is freedom?

Different cultures consider freedom differently, we in the west consider that Muslim women are oppressed whereas they feel that is their choice and they are free to make that choice. In France, they have banned the Islamic headscarf in schools. The arguments for this are that:

1. It makes everyone in the school appear equal
2. It promotes girls self-confidence as they are not hiding away their bodies
3. It takes away the pressure that may be put on the girls to wear them by their families.

The arguments for keeping the headscarf are:

1. It is a choice of the girls
2. It does not affect their education and so should not matter
3. It gives them freedom to fully support their religion

Overall, the UN’s human right’s NO – RIGHTS – NO APOSTROPHE!! say that ‘Everyone has the right to practice and observe all aspects of their religion.’, the French government are preventing the girls from their human rights and making them choose between education and religion, this is a violation of their human rights.

Can you be free psychologically but not physically? In my opinion you can, for example, Nelson Mandela, the South African president and former anti-apartheid CAMPAIGNER, was trapped at Robben Island but was free in his mind. He was always thinking of others and how to help them and BELIEVED IN HIS VISION OF AN EQUAL SOUTH AFRICA so although he did not get released for over 20 years he was always free as in his mind he could think and believe what ever he wanted.

Earlier this week we met a convict, Tony, he had been charged with murder and drug abuse. Tony had lost his freedom a long time before he was charged; he lost his freedom when his mind became absorbed by peer pressure, drugs and alcohol. Although, Tony is now on the road to gaining back his physical freedom, many do not get that chance, sometimes this punishment is completely unjust. Freedom is like trust, once it is gone it is very hard to gain back completely.

THIS BIT IS REALLY GREAT When people lose this freedom, it can sometimes bring them together, whether it be as friends or in song. Spiritual or emotional songs are a great ‘pick-me-up’ or emotional outlet and a useful tool for if they ever gain back their physical freedom. The tool is one of being able to show you feelings in a polite and positive way.

Luckily many charities help those that lose their freedom, for example, Globalhand or amnesty international. Global hand helps those in unfortunate and unjust situations and amnesty international tries to stop them happening altogether.

Freedom is a very sought-after thing but no one can have it entirely, we should be thankful that we have so much when those less than an hour away are struggling for any freedom at all