Freedom/Equality

When individuals living in a democratic state consider the definitions of freedom and equality, the responses are often shaped by the rhetoric and policies of institutions like the government, social justice movements, schools, and the media. Those who were enslaved in the 18th century knew that freedom could never be achieved without aggressively pursuing equality not just as humans, but also in the distribution of property, jobs, and basic resources. In opposition to this understanding, conservative politicians like Margeret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, influenced by economist Friedrich Hayek’s The Constitution of Liberty, argued that true freedom can only be achieved by abandoning equality. The historical separation of these ideas has led millions to accept that the freedom to lose is an undoubtedly better reality than a world with social security, high paying jobs, and an increase in equality. The delicate balance between individual freedom and societal equality is absolutely foundational to any conception of democracy. Democracy cannot be understood without grappling with this tension and considering who in a democratic society works towards advancing equality and who actively condemns it as an infringement on freedom.

Many societies claim to be democratic, but the world has never seen a truly democratic state. If a society is completely free in the eyes of those with privilege, all those who are less fortunate suffer greatly from a lack of equality. The aspiration for equality is inherently necessary in any democracy. As such, no democractic society can exist where individual freedom is absolute. The demos must agree that some boundaries on individual freedom should exist to protect others. But where is that line to be drawn? During the four hundred years of African enslavement in the United States, slave owners were free to own slaves and trade cotton in a free market because the slaves were not considered equal to white people. At best, they were considered three fifths of a white man. Despite emancipation, racism has, however, continued to plague America. The demonstration by the NFL players taking a knee in response to police brutality is an example of individuals in a democratic society exercising their freedom of speech to amplify the need for equality across the country. This act of resistance resulted in several players being fined, abused, and mocked for protesting. What we can learn from this example is that equality should never be perceived as an assault on the personal freedoms of citizens. All democracies are flawed, but they must ensure that the demos have as much individual freedom as possible without jeopardizing the existence and advancement of equality for all.

Dylan B Zach S