Oh, America—the sweet land of freedom & opportunity. Sadly, there’s more to American freedom than the shiny surface we often see. Whether it’s the stories we’re told in school or the headlines in our newsfeeds, what’s said and what’s real about American freedom are two different things. Let’s look at ten of these lies. We’re not trying to point fingers—this is all in good fun.
Featured Image Credit: titov/Depositphotos.com.
Freedom of Speech is Unlimited
When we talk about freedom of speech, it sounds like you can say whatever you want, whenever you want—but not exactly. America does give more leeway than many other places, yet there are limitations. For example, you can’t yell “fire!” in a crowded theater when there’s no fire. And you definitely can’t make threats against other people!
Voting Rights are the Same for Everyone
Voting should be as easy for everyone, although that’s sadly not the case. Some people deal with many more hurdles than others, including voter ID laws or simply not enough polling places in their neighborhoods. On paper, everyone has the right to vote—in reality, it’s a completely different story.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Justice is Blind
We’d like to think that justice is blind and that it treats everyone the same, no matter who they are. Sadly, that’s not always how it plays out. If your pockets are deep enough, you’ll get a softer landing than someone who can’t afford a great lawyer. The scales of justice often tip more one way than the other.
Economic Opportunity is There for the Taking
The American Dream sells us on the idea that anyone can make it if they just work hard enough. Yet the starting line isn’t the same for everyone. Some people have a head start with better schools or connections that open doors and this puts them ahead. For others, they can work twice as hard yet only get half back.
The Internet is a Free-for-All
The web feels like the Wild West of information and free speech—but there’s a bit of fine print. Between government agencies keeping tabs & big companies deciding what gets seen, the internet isn’t as free as it seems. Information is far more accessible on the internet yet even that has its limits.
Owning a Home is Within Everyone’s Reach
One of the core concepts of the American dream is owning a home. It’s the ultimate symbol of freedom! However, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Things like credit scores & rising prices have made getting into real estate a lot harder. Let’s not forget the ugly history of red-lining either, which has restricted some minority communities from getting loans.
Education is Free and Equal for All
Depending on where you live, your school might have more or fewer resources and this affects the quality of education you receive. Kids in private schools, for example, often have better educational standards since they’re paying a lot more for them—which benefits them later in life. So much so for public education being the great equalizer!
You’re Off the Grid, Out of Sight
The idea that you can live your life free from government snooping is more of a comforting lie than true. Laws like the Patriot Act opened the door for all manner of surveillance in the name of national security. You can try to live your life without restraints but Uncle Sam is always watching you.
Everyone Has the Right to Protest
Protesting is a fundamental way people express their concerns & seek change. But there are laws about where, when and how you can protest. For example, in some places you need a permit while in other places, you have restrictions on blocking sidewalks. Either way, the right to protest isn’t as free as it seems.
Healthcare is Accessible to All
Many people talk about American healthcare as if it were there for everyone although the reality is more complicated. Insurance coverage, high costs & not enough doctors in some areas—all of these issues make getting care a real challenge. Unfortunately, some people simply can’t get the cover they need.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Read More:
