We Americans are frequently reminded (especially on the Fourth of July) that we are citizens of the most free country on Earth. But freedom is a relative term and our definition of freedom may not be shared by other cultures.
In animal societies, behavior is governed solely by instinct. The process of natural selection favors traits and behaviors that will insure the survival of that species and these become imprinted within their genetic code. Humans, on the other hand, being more sophisticated and conniving creatures, must be governed by societal laws, established to protect the rights and freedoms of society as a whole. While we can all agree that many of these laws are appropriate, outlawing behavior such as robbery and murder, others are more controversial. The freedom to have an abortion vs. the push to criminalize the "murder" of fertilized eggs is one of our more politicized battles. So is the freedom from violence vs. the freedom to collect AK47s. At times, it is hard to distinguish the pursuit of liberty from the right to discriminate.
So, on this Independence Day, as we wave our flags, eat our watermelon and watch our fireworks, we remind ourselves that we live in the most free country on the planet, especially for white, Christian, heterosexual, well-connected males.
