01/28/13
Felecia Williams
Title: Loosed without amnesty

 

Choosing between maintaining one’s freedom verses returning to confinement may seem like an obvious choice. For some ex-offenders it is more than just picking one over the other, it can be a tough obstacle which requires strong will to overcome.

When we think of prison, we think of a separate society developed to keep criminals out of ours. There are some who we don’t ever want to step foot back in our communities, but this does not change the fact that all ex-offenders are not murderers, rapists or psychopaths. Some are people just like you and I. They have made mistakes that unfortunately had consequences that caused them time in prison. These things can happen to anyone and it takes a strong individual to overcome some of the setbacks of being labeled an ex-offender.

People refuse to acknowledge or understand the trials and tribulations associated with being an ex-offender and returning back into society. The loss of support from loved ones, changes in society since incarceration, and the struggles in finding employment and residence are just a few of the challenges that some may face. Both during and after the required sentence, there may have been a lack of job training and placement assistance available to them. Even if it were, the number of job and housing markets that are willing to accept them is small. Employers and housing communities require background checks and for felons, this means the dreaded “door slam in the face”.

Not only are their rights taken and their chances slim on finding work that is legit, but the family they’ve left behind may not want to have anything at all to do with them. Maybe it’s due to the crime they’ve committed or that the family is content with the fact that their lives can continue without them.

Upon “touching down” (what some refer to as returning to the free world) ex-offenders must try to adapt to the changed world they’ve left behind. Our ever changing society may be far from what they remember and depending on the length of the sentence and connection to the outside, they may be welcomed by many drastic changes. For example: someone sentenced in 1950 and now being released in 2013 will have a lot of catching up to do.

Ex-offenders mostly come back to a community that clearly states “you are not welcome!” and this causes all types of thoughts and actions as a result, such as finding comfort in drugs or alcohol, resorting to crime, taking their own life and even looking for ways to return to what they know best -prison.

George also known as Raheem is a 42 year old black male. Since the age of 16 he has spent most of his life behind bars. Even after being released twice during his adult life, he has found his way back once again. While in prison he managed to obtain his G.E.D. and take up a trade in plumbing, but that alone was not good enough. This caused him to become discouraged. Besides his constant job trouble, he found himself staying from place to place, having little money, and dealing with his family doubting his every move. After about a year of trying to do right, he felt it was time to do what he had to. His only thoughts at this time were that in order to survive this cold world, he would have to resort to crime. Crime was the only source that would mean money for rent, food, clothes, shelter and whatever else he wanted. It also meant a make shift family (crime family) to belong to. Selling crack cocaine, check fraud, lying, stealing and whatever it took to make his money Raheem did in attempts to live the so called American dream. He never would have thought that a mistake made during his adolescent years would cause a chain reaction leading straight into a dead end.

To Raheem things like trust, forgiveness, and love do not exist. In a world that would not even give him a chance to do it right, he chose crime to overcome his struggle. Even with crime being his main benefactor, he found himself back in the “chain gang” and not because of those crimes, it’s because he violated his probation by failing a urinalysis.

Raheem is not a so called bad guy. His actions are based on how he was categorized and denied fair rights along with every other ex-offender that has served time. It’s like someone stamps their foreheads in bold letters “NOT WORTHY!” Society does not want to accept ex-offenders any longer and the only chance given to them is their release from prison. They are never really free to work and live where they please or even have a normal life. Society makes sure that they will never really be free from the mental and emotional chains they will carry for the rest of their lives. So prison for them may become a revolving door.

The moment criminals are loosed from the walls of prison in an attempt to live as free men is the moment they realize that they were never forgiven for their crimes, only locked away to have been forgotten in time.

Date:   December 13, 2012
Writers Name:  Rosey Denise White
Title: The Street Game Has an Expiration Date

 

The following is true story.

How does a drug dealer adjust to normal life after years on the block?  Is it even possible?   The honest answer is: it depends.   It’s not an easy thing to do.  Just ask my friend who we will call “Billy.”   Billy was once a big timer on the streets of Detroit.  He was known for fast money, faster cars, beautiful women and a stylish wardrobe unlike any other.   Pretty much everyone in the city knew who Billy was and that his job was narcotic distribution.  He was heavy weight.  Far from your average nickel and dime man, he was a major hustler who made big money doing the things he did.  Like most street pharmacists, after years of selling dope his hustler ambitions came to an end.  Billy was spared though, sentenced to only twenty years for his crimes.  At the age of 50, Billy was reintroduced to society as a free man.

With a drug felony on his record, the adjustment to normal life was far from ordinary.  Even though it was years later and he had served his time, Billy’s mindset remained the same.   He was still obsessed with living the good life and at a lost for a legit way to get it.  I asked him a few times what he was doing for income in order to survive.  He explained how his family and friends were helping him out.  Many of whom had benefited from his choice of lifestyle while he was at the top of his game.  I admit, Billy was very lucky because he still had the appearance of a major player on the streets.  He had a nice car, nice clothes, and a decent home in one of the city’s affluent neighborhoods.   Because of these luxuries, Billy did not care to think about how he would survive in the near future. He was fully dependent upon others for every bare necessity in life.

When Billy and I talk about his life today, I often ask him what his next steps will be.  I remind him that his friends and family won’t be able to take care of him forever.  I tell him his life is all based on an illusion that no longer exists.  He speaks of getting a job, but he and I both know it is very difficult finding work especially with a federal felonious record for drugs.  Certainly, he has had subprime job offers at local food restaurants, cleaners, or other local businesses who are willing to help him get back on his feet.  But he does not want this type of life.   Billy is used to fast money and has no desire to start his life from scratch the right way.  He doesn’t want to put in honest work to rise up like everyday people do.  Billy’s mind is still stuck on how things used to be; he has not adjusted to the realities that are before him.  Although he has stayed clear of drug dealing since being released, for the last ten years, Billy has no clue of how to go forward with his life.  He isn’t interested in being rehabilitated and it’s unfortunate that he is not alone in his way of thinking.  A lot of former felons have a hard time adjusting to life because they are still stuck in past living.  There are numerous programs available for people like Billy but they have to be willing to work toward good living on an honest level.   Billy knows the street life for him has expired, but despite the consequences he would still rather live the good life in his head.

Date: 12/14/2012
Name: Donnell Hicks
Title: Stop the Urban Community Violence

Crime and violence is evident around the world and here in America. Crime and violence in the urban inner cities throughout America has been the focal point for local and state government officials to combat and somewhat a focal point for the federal government to get involved. Little do these government officials know, youth who are involved with gangs, dealing with record high unemployment, and less socioeconomic opportunities have spawned a plague in the African-American communities nationwide in the worse way possible.

There are so many important factors one can say that will lead to high violence within urban communities, particularly upon black youth that range from ages 12-17 years old. A common example is the child who is raised in a single parent household where there’s no positive male role model in his life, media violence, rap music, high unemployment, less education, hanging out with delinquent peers, and drug activities. There was once a moment in time when children played outside all day and all night long without any gun violence happening. Now, children cannot play outside at parks or in the backyard of their homes, because they’re more prone to be in the line of fire.

A couple of years ago in Miami, a sweet, innocent six year old girl named Sherdavia Jenkins was shot and killed by a stray bullet while playing outside her home in the inner city known as “Liberty City.”  Sherdavia Jenkins was caught between two rival gang members who had hatred towards one another. The grim news shocked local officials to do all they could to stop the violence in the streets. We same the same reaction for many other African-American youth who have lost their life, caught in the line of fire.

Clearly, violence has become a national epidemic as well as a major public issue. Homicide rates soar where unemployment rate is high, a poor educational infrastructure exists, and when there’s a pure lack of social connectedness. Homicide continues to be a major cause of death amongst urban cities.  It is evident among young black men the homicide rate is 29.3 and 2.5 for white young men. The symptoms of violent crime African-American youths are:

-Loss of temper

-Frequent physical violence

-Significant vandalism

-Detailed plans to commit violence

-Announcing threats for hurting others

(Source: www.aachae.org)

According to the Urban Newsletter and the Heritage Foundation, homelessness, violent crime, unequal access to quality schools, and a shortage of affordable housing plague urban cities throughout America. The following is a list of violent cities where youth reside:

            -Baltimore, Maryland

            -Brooklyn, New York

            -Chicago, Illinois

            -Detroit, Michigan

            -Los Angeles, California

            -New Orleans, Louisiana

            -Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and

            -Washington, D.C.

Based on eight community studies, “a 15 year old urban black male faces a possibility every day of being murdered before his 45th birthday”. (urban.org and heritage.com)

Still to this very day, violence in the African-Americans community is extremely high. It is a daunting reality that must be solved immediately on all levels. Local, state, and federal government officials needs to step in and help lower the crime rate in these urban cities listed above by giving urban youth more adequate jobs, better schools, and more socioeconomic chances to develop their talents.  

“Nothing can be done unless; we raise our voices as one.”~ Michael Jackson

Date: 10/15/2012
Writer’s Name: S.F. Hardy
Title: Free to Know Before You Go

When I sit back and observe my family’s election day process of yesteryear and compare and contrast it to our process of today, one of several big things jumps out at me. Secrecy! When I was a child, although my grandmother and parents would take us to the polls with them to vote, they never spoke a word out loud who or what they were voting for. Today, it is common place to blab your stance and your chosen candidate every chance you get. While I would like for who and what I vote for to remain private amongst me, myself and I, I definitely think that making people conscious of what is at stake is important.

As the 2012 presidential election grows nearer, there are local elections in each of our states, cities and townships that are very much understated in the media and they go by the name of proposals. In Detroit, Michigan alone, voters are expected to be bombarded by a four page ballot consisting of 18 proposals. Leaders and citizens active in the civic process are concerned that many voters will become overwhelmed while at the poles due to the extent of the ballot if they are not informed before hitting the polls. As a result, many informational rallies are taking place to make individuals aware of what to expect on Election Day, as well as encourage people to assist the elderly and those who have trouble reading and understanding the ballot proposals. Many of us have been passing out literature and talking to people at various events hoping to educate people on the importance of voting in this election.

Many of the proposed agendas include issues such as: giving the state the power to implement emergency managers in financially troubled municipalities; disregarding the rights of the people’s voting voices; collective bargaining for public service workers including but not limited to police and teachers; improving energy costs at the cost of the people and to be written in the constitution; decreasing adverse effects of marijuana laws for personal possession in the privacy of one’s home.  All and so much will have a direct effect on the people. It is imperative that people know before they go to the polls what they are up against. It will be severe if people just shaded in bubbles for sake of shading so that they can hurry and leave the polls. All of our futures are at stake and we want people to make educated decisions when voting.

While many people have missed Michigan’s October 9th deadline to become registered voters for the upcoming election, we want to encourage them to participate in the process by ensuring people get to the polls by ride sharing. Offer assistance at the polls by helping voters read and understand the ballots. For the computer savvy folk, there are websites tailored to assist you with finding the information needed to prepare you for the polls as well as help you locate your voting destination, along with phone numbers to report polling problems. Be engaged in the process; don’t let anyone take away the voice you have. If we all take part, our voices will be loud and clear. Vote! But know before you go!

Date: September 10, 2012
Writer’s Name: Lorraine Elzia
Title: Freedom – The Child of Democracy



Freedom. A simple word that one would think has a universal meaning. In the big scheme of things it does. When measured by wars, bondage and physical capabilities, arguably, most recognize the term and agree, to a certain extent, that in America, as a united body, we– the people – are free.

But the world does not turn on the big scheme of things. It is the little actions
and circumstances that truly illustrate the real picture of our existence. 
 
We’ve come a long way baby, as the saying goes. Segregation, at least in terms of how it once was, no longer exists. Blacks don’t have to sit on the back of the bus, drink from separate water fountains, or clean the houses of white men and work on their plantations for little, if any, pay. Women have the right to vote. We can live where we please, shop where we choose to shop, and worship in any manner we individually see fit. People are allowed to say what they please, voicing their opinions without the threat of imprisonment just because their government feels threatened by what they have to say. Opportunities cross color lines. The corporate ladder is free for all to climb, and some of the richest people in the world have a dark tint to their skin color that was given to them by God.

We’ve taken out the highest security threats to our nation. Through the grace of God,
and the thoughtful planning of our leaders, we have sent our enemies home to
their maker or His nemesis; ensuring that they no longer are a threat to us and
their only abilities now revolve around pushing up daises. Yes, by all expectations and traditional measures, we are free. Our nation, while imperfect, has no real ties that bind our actions or our liberties.

But at what cost? What must we endure for the precious gift of freedom? That’s the
million-dollar question and one that is not easily answered. 

The cost we pay comes in the manner in which we must be willing to establish and
defend the freedoms that we all enjoy. The price is not paid in the big scheme of things; it is measured by the immeasurable. The little things that encroach upon our lives.

Financially, the price we pay for freedom hits our pockets in the form of higher taxes,
requirements to have insurances on home, car and preparation for medical needs. We are also subjected to higher prices on the luxuries of life that we choose to acquire or indulge in. Those high prices are imposed on us so that the funds can be distributed to pay for governmental necessities that we all need. There once was a time where certain things were not available to us, but now that they are, we have to pay a high price for them.

Emotionally, the cost of freedom can be high for military families who support their
active-duty spouses and parents. They deal with the loneliness and constant worry about their loved one who is thousands of miles away in a foreign land and in constant danger. That same price of freedom causes sorrow to us all by the countless number of flag-draped coffins that come back to the homeland in the belly of planes delivering military soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for us all and our freedom.

Physically, the price of freedom hits us all at our boarders. Both at the edges that outline the territory of land which makes up our great nation, and at each and every airport that we enter in search of traveling elsewhere. At the boarders we have to take measures to keep out those that want to creep in for the chance to live the American dream. At the gates of our airports we are subjected to heightened security to make sure that our planes will not be used as weapons of destruction to our nation or its people. Being free makes it necessary for us to endure intrusive measures to try and limit who comes in and who goes out of this land we hold so dear. 

Mentally, the price for freedom of religion, of speech, or of the press comes with the price tag of putting up with foolishness, ignorance and sometimes buffoonery by those that use their given freedom as a crutch to commit ill will. The ability to shout, “I’m free to do as I please” allows people to stand behind that plea of innocence as justification for doing things that morally they should not do, but which freedom of choice gives them the ability to do. Individual freedom demands individual  responsibilities, however, some do not see it that way. Some use our freedoms as excuses to do as they please when the truth is that personal responsibility is one of the prices we pay for liberty. 

Freedom, as we know it, is the child of Democracy. It governs us and is the drug of choice for most Americans when it comes to how they will be ruled. Freedom is also self-determined; it is unique to each of us. The way we act in accordance to our own individual lives is both the gift and curse of our liberties. We are free to make choices and free to live our lives as we want to; however, that does not mean we are free to do any and everything we want to. There are things that exist to limit our freedom, and those limits are called, “rules.” We cannot be a free society without each individual experiencing a bit of un-comfortableness in regard to being responsible for our actions. Wayne LaPierre said it best, "Freedom is never an achieved state; like electricity, we've got to keep generating it or the lights go out."

Date: August 28, 2012
Writer’s Name: Todney Harris
Title: The Unfounding of America




I have written this response to an article written by Joseph Stiglitz. Mr. Stiglitz posted the article in the upcoming issue of Vanity Fair. He is one of the lone voices in America who is actually speaking about the issue of class and labor in America.


In order for Americans to understand the importance of Mr. Stiglitz message, it is important to understand the American economic philosophy of Capitalism. First, the government does not regulate business in America. The corporations in America are privately owned and operated. The term is known as "Laissez Faire". Second, there are two classes in America, the owner class and the laboring class. The owner class has been forced to share resources in America with the laboring class due to the influence of organized labor which resulted in the formation of labor unions. The owner class wishes to amass profits at the expense of the laboring class. There is no social welfare in Capitalism. The owner class does not care about redistributing wealth and resources in this country. They just care about getting rich at the expense of the worker. For a time, labor and capitalists coexisted together. Now, with the corporations outsourcing labor in order to circumvent labor unions and a living wage, America is at the point where the owner class cannot coexist peacefully with organized labor.


Furthermore, Capitalism and education are intertwined. Most people expect to rise to the middle class or better with an advanced education. One system cannot be reformed without reforming the other. Education was created due to the growth of industry in America. The immigration that occurred was the impetus for the creation of public education in America. At this point in our nation’s history, both institutions are being undermined by the Capitalists or owner class. College tuition is at the point where most American families cannot afford to send their children to an American university. Completing a degree program does not guarantee a job to any college graduate. Why? Outsourcing!


Listen, the country cannot spend its way out of this economic depression. We can't sell guns and weapons to allies. The world is not at war. We have made weapons that we cannot use. What has to occur is corporate responsibility. American corporations need to stop outsourcing jobs. Corporations need to create new business and industry right here in America! Certainly last but not least; hire American people for these jobs. American corporations need to stop outsourcing our jobs to poor countries. American people need to be paid a living wage.


What baffles me is that American corporations still expect America to have the number one consumer economy in America. People have been buying products in since Henry Ford invented the idea of paying his workers a decent and living wage in order for his workers to purchase the Model T’s that his company was making on the assembly lines. The commercials on television are more influential and persuasive than ever. How can companies expect us to purchase their goods if they aren’t hiring us and paying a decent wage? They surely don’t have a problem charging for their products in light of the fact that some poor worker in India, China or Indonesia is responsible for making the product at a less than satisfactory wage. The end result is that the corporate profits are soaring. Taxes aren’t being paid and workers aren’t being hired. I consider this the “unfounding” of America due to the fact that this goes against all of the principals in which this country was founded upon.

Date: 8/26/2012
Writer’s Name: S.F. Hardy
Title: Freedom Cost: Small Price to Pay

  
Everybody wants freedom but nobody wants to pay for it. Nothing in life is free. That said, freedom comes at the cost of courage, patience, unity and compassion for life, but most importantly, sacrifice.

Although emancipated less than 200 years ago there are those who believe that there are no remnants of slavery to affect the people of today. Then of course, there are others who argue otherwise.

The fight for freedom did not end with the emancipation as those formerly enslaved and their descendants faced Reconstruction, Sharecropping, Chain Gangs, and Segregation. Today bondage is felt in the form of the substance abuse, credit debt, the sex trade and the Prison Industrial Complex, just to name a few.

One area of concern regarding African-Americans as it relates to freedom is the community’s skepticism to vote. In such a short time, many African-Americans have become frustrated with the entire political process. Many of us have lost faith and have thrown our hands up conceding our rights. The loss of belief in the system has impeded numerous African-Americans from participating in the election, leading to the loss of what was once a strong voice. Voter turnout during primary elections in Detroit is sadly scarce. Before the state primary held in February 2012 CBS reported, “…Detroit will see a voter turnout of 10 percent to 12 percent…” For the obstacles endured by the citizens of Detroit 20% is considerably low. How can we justly complain about what ails the city if we are not using the tools we have to combat them?!

As a result of recent local and upcoming presidential elections the media inundates the people with the back and forth political banters between the political parties, particularly democratic and republican. Many of the issues argued in the campaign commercials resonate to the people as smokescreens, hiding the real issues that affect the citizens of this country; making it difficult for everyday people to know who to trust, easily turning people off, eliminating themselves from the election process altogether.

Another reason why I think a large population within the African-American community does not vote is because they are under the impression they cannot when they actually can. In Michigan, those incarcerated awaiting trial (have not been convicted) have the right to vote. Although those who have been convicted, sentenced and serving time during election periods cannot vote, once they are released their voting rights are automatically reinstated. It is just a matter of visiting the Secretary of State and singing up for their voter registration.

Based on my own empirical research, I believe we have become complacent and appeased with the small strides gained. More emphasis is placed on material gain and as long as many of us are able to dress to the nines and purchase luxury vehicles we will remain content with the current conditions.  

Although many of the issues stated affect the African-American community disproportionately we have a difficult time believing in the political system. Maybe it is a lack of understanding or genuine belief our voice is not heard or a combination of the two. However, there is power in numbers and if we put forth the effort to show that we won’t be ignored and are aware of the rights we posses, we can’t help but to advance in any realm. But if we take on pessimistic attitudes as we are appeased by the material gain put before us, we will no doubt lose the rights that our predecessors fought so hard for us to have.

It is my staunch belief that my generation is complacent because we haven’t had to fight for anything. We were born into opportunity and advantages so we have been removed from the struggles that took place in the past. Some of us were fortunate enough to be educated by their families and few educational systems, but most of us are unaware. Sadly as a result we don’t fully appreciate equality and don’t realize that we are still in bondage of the mind. Sure, we can drink from the same water fountain as other ethnic groups, but we turn our nose up at others riding the bus, we act a fool in school, and tease those of us who take education serious, labeling them “acting white.” I’m starting to feel that in order for people to appreciate the freedoms we continue to maintain, we will have to hit rock bottom.

Like in the days past, voter suppression tactics are being used to make it complex for voters. This to me speaks volumes. If our vote did not count, tactics to repress the vote would not be employed. Let us take note from the outcry that took place in Egypt. Organizers used Facebook to rally the people. People repressed any fear to demonstrate against what oppressed them. There is no reason why the voting polls should be less than crowded when time to vote.

Although seemingly requiring voters to take valid identification to the polls may be a small price to pay in order to vote, the implications and those who will be disenfranchised with this process is a greater price to pay.

We must keep our fore founders, who were spit on, attacked by dogs, water hosed, beaten, lost their jobs, homes and lives all in the name of fighting for the right to vote in our minds when it is time to vote. Even if we don’t believe in the process, we must not let those who made the path for us efforts go in vein. Freedom is not free and the fight to maintain it will be on going. No matter what your beliefs are, what party and ideologies you support, exercise your right to keep freedom alive by voting.

Date: 07/23/2012
Writer’s Name: Tyeisha Downer
Title: Does Money Really Buy Happiness




So many weeks, days, hours and minutes, many individuals think about what it would be like to have a large quantity of money; to finally be out of debt and be able to buy anything that their heart desires and live happily ever after. But does money really buy happiness?

Would it be easy to live in the world with lots of money to grant you all of the material things you ever wished for? Would money bring others such joy in society as we know it or would you argue and say that the best things in life are free like love, beautiful flowers, and being able to have your mind at ease?  

What about things like taking a stroll in the park and stopping to smell the aroma of the fresh air? What about being able to take a deep breath and take a moment to appreciate the simple things in life that we often take for granted. I believe the best things in life are free, like being able to stand tall and walk proudly and being able to have clear eyesight and taking time to reflect back on others whom are less fortunate than us.

What if we were unable to have access to being able to walk, talk, or see? What if our health was fading right before our very eyes and what if we were unable to hear the sound of waves as they hit the beach? What if we were unable to see the stars shine so brightly in the sky? What if we couldn’t hear the rhythm of the heartbeat of the one that we love so much? Do you think that you would be missing out then? Granted money can buy you a fancy house on the hill or a luxury car and diamonds and pearls, but does it buy you true love? Being able to have someone to love you through the fog and clouded skies - loving you for you are with your flaws and all is priceless. If you had a million dollars it would be complicated to determine who really loves you for you. Everyone is entitled to what they believe in but in my opinion the best things in life are free, which is why it is important to live your life to the fullest because tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Date: O7/16/2012
Writer’s Name: Ornitha Danielle
Title: Give us our Freedom
Photo Credit: Lee Taylor




Freedom in our dictionary is “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.” The word freedom can lend many meanings depending on how one interprets it. According to the First Amendment, we have the freedom to speak. And when we look at the union of marriage, at the end of the ceremony, the official may state, “Speak now or forever hold your peace.”




We have the right to give voice to what we think, or how we act and speak on issues that concern us as a people; even though at times, freedom can mean choosing the wrong way.

The bible tells us in The King James Version (John 8:32) “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John states, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” We have the freedom to worship where we want and we can live, work, or even shop in certain stores of our desire.




The bible also tells us that God created man with freedom. When he placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they had freedom to do as they liked. However, with that there were rules that should’ve been followed. The only thing that was off limits to them was not to eat from a certain tree.




Just like us today, we have freedom to drive down the highway, but we still are controlled by the laws of the land. We have this thing called a speed limit. If we break the law, we are punished. Yes, we are free to do as we like, but we have to obey and abide by the rules. That is with everything we do, even if we own our own companies. We may make the rules and regulations for those that want to work for us, but we still have to follow the laws and regulations of our state and federal government.




Ask yourself this question: Do I possess the freedom to do as I please? What will it really cost me to have the freedom that I want? Will my freedom cause me to gain or lose friends? Think about it. Someone else is telling you what to think, what to say, or how to feel. So are you free to have the freedom you desire? Please leave your comments about what freedom means to you. I would love to know what your take is on this is.

Date: 07/08/2012
Writer’s Name: Dominique Wilkins
Title: How much are you worth?

   

If freedom is not free, then what is its cost? Can you afford it? Is it something that you must have no matter the price? Is freedom only a term that you use if you are trapped and incarcerated? One must answer these questions before we can even discuss its value.
   

Freedom does not have a monetary price, but you will pay for it with sacrifice and determination. There are some people in 2012 that are not enjoying what so many of us take for granted. They are walking around amongst us, appearing to be free, but in actuality, their mind is enslaved. You are enslaved if you are living in someone else’s shadow and you feel as though you cannot voice your true opinion or do things that bring personal happiness and gratitude. At that point, you are being mentally held captive in someone else’s world. It could be a mate or even a long time aggressive/clingy friendship that drags on.
   

It is slavery when you struggle to do things freely in adulthood. Whenever you are self- conscious about being yourself, for fear of losing someone’s admiration or respect, you are being held captive by another person’s influence. Why do people stay in these toxic relationships you wonder? Well these people tend to have low self-esteem. Living in someone else’s shadow and rules gives them an out to not be required to think or be held accountable for their own actions. Following someone else’s lead and rules are like the child who never leaves home, in fear of having to function independently as an adult; they are required to get a job, keep one, and balance their bills. This can be complicated and seem tough, but people do it. Yet, if given the chance to opt out, many will choose not to and leave it up to someone else. Thus creating the “need” for that person to make rules and run the show. There is a need met for leadership, which is confused as a loving relationship, which they cling to for stability.
   

On the other hand, there are people who unknowingly fall into this trap, but want to get out. So they wait for the right time and motivation to leave. They know that the person is controlling them and their happiness, but may not be able to physically leave due to their financial situation, which the captor may be providing the majority of. The captor could also be mentally or physically abusive and use mind games with talk of their “love” for the prisoner to keep them entrapped. Not by chains, but by false promises of change and a better future. The word freedom can be applied to any situation, where all parties are not doing as they please and are forced to talk and live under another person’s directives. This person, who wants out, who plots and plans and waits for the opportunity to escape may feel as though the price of their freedom is priceless. When enough is enough, there is no amount of money that would be viewed too much to regain a person’s peace and sanity.
   

The price of freedom varies according to each individual’s desire for change and need to regain his or her own identity.  Everyone has a price! What is yours?