Being a caucasian male between the ages of 18 and 65, I originally thought that not too many rights and movements in American history really effect me. However it doesn't take a genius to disprove that theory. A lot has changed between now and the times of our forefathers. We have taken huge strides in the advancement of basic human dignity and decency in just a few hundred years. We've done things in those few short years civilizations that lasted twice as long as us failed to do. We didn't start off perfect by any means, what with slavery, child labor, and female oppression, nor are we perfect now, but we have made vast improvements and we continue to change and reach for something better. We a society of constant political movements and changes, which I personally find ironic because we also tend to be one of the most stable.
The fact that I didn't have to spend my childhood in some factory, risking life and limb to produce some cheap goods to make a fat cat business man rich beyond belief is something I am grateful for. I wouldn't have lasted 5 minutes under some of the conditions kids at the beginning of the 20th century had to deal with, my attention span wasn't good enough. I am also glad I have the right to not be religious, but my best friend can be catholic, and there be no problems with that. The religious diversity America enjoys was neigh unheard of anywhere in the world 300 years ago. I've always believed in the right to free speech, though I fear for its safety in a new, politically correct, technologically driven world. And in these economic troubling times, when my dad hasn't had a steady job in 2 years, I have to be grateful for things like unemployment money and food stamps. Otherwise my family wouldn't be able to eat. And finally, though not a right Americans have yet but one I can only hope comes soon... health-care. Not everyone agrees on the subject (a side effect of free speech) but I think everyone can agree something needs to happen and soon. These are just a few of the rights we enjoy, but they are each powerful advancements to the human race as a whole.
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Austin,
ReplyDeleteI too am greatful for many of these rights. One that I am greatful for as well is freedom of religion. The fact that we can each believe what we want is something many countries cannot even fathom. There have many many countries and people persecuted for not abiding by a certain religion. But here, we have can have friends of all different religions and beliefs. That is something I am completely greatful for.
Alyssa
Hey Austin,
ReplyDeleteI like what you've got going here; you value what we've got while appreciating others' views of these points and then look out to what is something you hope is to come (health care). You do a great job in this blog of taking note of the rights you appreciate without belittling the opinions of those whom may disagree with you, and that is not always an easy thing to do! So props to you for taking the high road there.
Perhaps one thing to think about is something that you brought up in the beginning of your post. You mention that our society has come a long way in a short amount of time (relatively) but that we are still far from perfect. What are some concerns you have that are keeping our society from becoming better? Also, how about other countries? What are some things we could help with in other parts of the world to help better our planet-wide community?