America is, and I quote, "Home of the Free and the Brave." We all know this, but our freedom is to an extent. No matter how far you look back, pick a year, any year, there has always been some gimmick, some variety, something that made someone else less "free." Although yes, America is VERY much "more" free compared to many surrounding countries; it isn't perfect, but what is?
Going back to our Founding Fathers, they fought for our freedom, wither it be religious, state, or individual liberties. And although they succeeded greatly, over the years there still tends to be rocky roads. I think we can all agree race is the big blue elephant in the room. Yes, there has always been segregation in the United States. It's a terrible thing, but, as most people don't realize, it is a choice. Choosing to see people by something that qualifies them as "different" is a choice. I know for a fact I was raised that it didn't matter the color of your skin, hair, nails, or shoes, you and everyone else around you is important. You should always give people the chance they deserve. When it comes to freedom, ALL races' have their problems, their limitations, their "unacceptable freedoms." Race can be a card you play, hold, or just completely ignore. By this I mean, you can either A) go into a situation, the situation turns out bad/good, blame it on race. I think more than not this situation in particular can end in a variety of ways. Good or bad, it is usually decided upon by the person affected. I see a lot of people use race as an excuse to not getting something, or being treated a certain way. And yes, I'm not saying that race doesn't play a factor in, well, to be blunt racism cases. But not everything in the world goes wrong because of someone's race. B) Hold, keep the race card in your hand, there isn't any need to play it, just move on to the next round. I don't what to say this is a "be the bigger person situation" because sometimes you can't just hold your card, but I think it takes a lot of maturity to decide what to play. And lastly, C) Completely ignore, this seems to be almost impossible for people these days. It seems like everyone needs to blame something on someone because of "this" or "that" when really you just need to look at the bigger picture.
Getting of the heated subject of race, I think we can also say there are many other freedoms taken for granted these days. A big one, political. With one of the BIGGEST elections, and I say BIGGEST elections because there is SO MUCH CONTROVERSY. So much hate, so much separation between the two sides, and deeper than that. But here is the thing, no matter the side, of you are able to vote, 18 or older, GO VOTE. Do not pass up the right to vote, it is one of the most sacred things you can do as an American.
Lastly, one of the most important things to me, go out and get an education. People all over the world travel far and wide to get an education here in America, so take advantage. Nothing will EVER take away the reward of a degree. It isn't impossible. Even if you can't financially support a full time schedule, take as many as you can, spread it out, apply for scholarships. You get what you put in, so don't short yourself. There are BILLIONS AND BILLIONS of dollars out there, so go apply. I know the co-creator of Scholly, Christopher Gray, won $1.3 million dollars in scholarships. He took the time to apply, and apply, and apply. And he was rewarded. He had more than he needed for 4 full years. That can be you, because of the great liberties given here in America, you can get an education. No one will ever take it from you.
To end this, these are my opinions, but hopefully you can see where I'm coming from. It's important to know how lucky we are as Americans, we have it great. Yea, you may not like how some things are for you, we all understand that, but overall, there isn't a better place out there. Be grateful, but also take advantage for what America has to offer. We are the home of the "Free and the Brave."
