Fixed on Freedom

                 Freedom? Freedom!! What a wonderful and horrifying word it is. The thing is, if you had sat down next to me, looked me square in the eye, and asked me to define the word freedom. I would have most likely looked back at you with a blank stare and waited until the awkward silence became unbearable for both of us. Because, after a whole month of reading, researching, annotating, analyzing, and discussing several pieces of literature, I learned that I know nothing... er, well.. close to nothing. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the pieces thoroughly. Every piece that we read was both interesting and complex, and sparked various conversations and ideas. But, as we discussed our thoughts on each piece, it became increasingly evident that I was getting confused. The more I analyzed and reflected, I realized, the more I did not know. I became frustrated and lost, unable to see the bigger picture. It was only then did I begin to understand. There is no straightforward answer. Freedom is not a set of principles or guidelines, it is a manifestation of one's own beliefs and feelings. Jefferson, Stanton, Kingston, Alexie, Douglass, hooks, Vowell, Thoreau, and Wallace all had something in common. The willingness to share their own thoughts and opinions with others. Whether it be about race and stereotypes in society to simple awareness and discovery, each had their own purpose in writing.

"You get to consciously decide what has meaning and what doesn't."

                  
                 That is why they are/were authors. They had a burning passion to express themselves no matter what. Jefferson used his pen and stood up to the might of the British. Douglass used his voice to mock the majority in society. Kingston used anecdotes and history to explain her own. That's what freedom is: The simple telling of ideas. It's about learning to express yourself and your ideas, despite what others may think, say, or even do. To embrace your fears and insecurities, but still being brave enough to share. You are free to agree or disagree completely with everything that I have said. Because that, ultimately, is where your own freedom lies.