Using Freedom and Rights Wisely

by: Joan Abigail Pelpinosas

       When we talk about freedom and rights, what is the first thing that comes to our mind? Probably some would tell that it is a great gift given from God. Yes, Freedom. We could all agree that it is a great gift from God to remind us how much He loves us a lot. Freedom is such a great thing because it lets the person feel “free” to do what he wants. What about rights? That’s also one of the many great things that our government implemented for our benefits and safety. For us teenagers, our freedom and rights are the factors that make us satisfied and contented with our lives. We have the freedom to be who we are, the freedom to go out with friends, the freedom to express our own opinions and the freedom to be happy. We also have the right to live in a clean and peaceful environment, the right to have a family to take care of us, the right to enjoy the things we love, the right to have an education and most of all the right to live.

       For us young adults, our freedom is one of the things we want most. In other words, we want to be free. We want to do the things we love; but we should always remember that to every freedom, there is a limitation. Yes, a limitation. That is the main reason why our parents give us time curfews whenever we go out with our friends especially at night. Sometimes, we think that our parents are too strict to let us have fun and just enjoy what we like the most; but we should always remind ourselves that they are doing this for our own good. Even if it is against our own will, we have to understand that all they want is what is best for us. Of course, it is also their right to teach us how to discipline ourselves and to mould ourselves to become better citizens and not liabilities to the society. Always bear in mind that we should not abuse our freedom to avoid getting involved in messy situations and ugly consequences.

       The same thing goes for our rights. Our rights are made to keep us healthy and safe. In the case of us young adults, we have rights to our health, education, leisure and safety. But like freedom, we should also use our rights wisely; because for every right there is an obligation to follow. An example is our right to have leisure time. But remember, not all our time should be in leisure; we should also provide time for other matters like going to school or doing household chores. We also have the right to express ourselves, but it is not our right to hurt someone’s feelings or provoke somebody by using obscene words or phrases just to tell them that we do not appreciate what they do. The best thing to do is just to confront them in a nice and polite way. Avoid unnecessary arguments. 

      Sometimes, we have to bear in mind that like freedom, our rights also has its limitations. Example, it is not our right to use prohibited drugs and to poke other people’s privacy. It is also not our right to abuse people by any physical, mental or social means. And that includes animals as well. We all need our freedom and rights. Without them, we would all be like slaves. That’s why we should always be thankful that they exist. Remember, freedom and rights are not bad alone; just as long as we use it in a good way. Use it but do not abuse it.