Philosophers have been debating for centuries about what it means to be free. Some argue that freedom is the ability to act without restraint or interference from others, while others believe that true freedom lies in being able to express oneself authentically. In this essay, I will explore how social norms and systemic oppression can limit our ability to express ourselves freely and how these constraints are understood within philosophy.
Let's consider the idea of freedom as expressed by philosopher John Stuart Mill. According to Mill, "The sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of action of any of their number, is self-protection." In other words, individuals should be allowed to do whatever they want so long as they don't harm anyone else. This view has been criticized for ignoring the power dynamics that exist between people who may want to interfere with one another.
If someone is oppressed due to their race, gender, or sexual orientation, they may feel pressure to conform to certain social norms in order to avoid violence or discrimination.
Another philosopher, Michel Foucault, argued that systems of power create structures of knowledge that shape our understanding of reality. He believed that power is inherently linked to knowledge, meaning that those who hold power often control the ways in which we think about things like sex, sexuality, and relationships. If society defines certain forms of expression as deviant or immoral, individuals may be afraid to express themselves freely out of fear of punishment or ostracism.
If heteronormativity is seen as the norm, non-heterosexual identities may be viewed as dangerous or abnormal. As a result, some people may feel pressured to conceal their true selves or engage in secret activities outside of the public eye.
Philosophers have explored how systemic racism can limit our ability to express ourselves authentically.
W.E.B Du Bois wrote about "double consciousness," which refers to the experience of being both black and American at the same time. Because of this double consciousness, African Americans must navigate two different worlds - one where they are treated as inferior and one where they are expected to fit into white culture. This can lead to internal conflict and the suppression of authentic self-expression.
Freedom is a complex concept that has been understood differently by various philosophers throughout history. While Mill argues for unrestricted individual liberty, others point out the limitations imposed by social norms and systemic oppression. Regardless of one's beliefs, it is clear that our ability to express ourselves freely is limited by external factors beyond our control. By understanding these constraints on freedom, we can begin to challenge them and work towards greater equality and justice.
How is freedom conceptualized philosophically when social norms or systemic oppression limit authentic expression?
Freedom is understood as a subjective experience of autonomy and agency that is deeply influenced by cultural, structural, and institutional factors. Social norms and systemic oppression can limit individual expressions in various ways, including through imposing strict boundaries on acceptable behavior, language, beliefs, identities, and interactions.