Is it OK to ask for more freedom if you have been given enough all ready? Is it OK if you think that freedom is justified even if the society doesn't think its 'appropriate'? Are you ready to compromise on your professional life if your personal life doesn't allow you to have that extra freedom? Do you want to fly like a bird or a like a remote controlled plane which is flying and free but its flight is controlled by someone else?...
These are not some questions raised by cynics regarding Anna Hazare's movement when talking about democracy. These are the questions that go about in the minds of a teenager who belongs to a semi-modern family which is yet to be open-minded about everything. Half-knowledge about anything is bad and being semi-modern is like having half knowledge about the art of setting your thoughts free. And in such cases you are left terribly frustrated and dissatisfied.You want to fly high, and you actually are flying, but your control is in the hands of the conformist 'decision makers' of the society and their stereotypical rules.
For example, most teenage girls these days from such semi-modern families are allowed to study any subject they want to, even the demanding and difficult ones like Mass Communication, which is a sign of freedom and being modern. But they are not allowed to work over night or long hours because 'good-girls' are suppose to return home early so that the don't fall prey to the selfish ulterior motives of the outside evil world. It is not about whether the girl has good intentions or not, it is about whether the factors which are not in your power to change, that is, other people's intentions, that matter. Whatever happened to the moral rule of not fretting too much about things you can't change?
It is understandable that the people in control of the flight of our dreams in such situations are our well-wishers and want to keep us safe.But sometimes this protectiveness can turn into possessiveness which is what usually happens. People need to understand that with proper precautions and being responsible, any amount of freedom is not dangerous. In fact, it is the basis of constructive and productive thoughts that can benefit everyone.
So, fly like a bird, not like a remote controlled plane. Set your thoughts free and explore this world, however it is. Don't be afraid to make your own mistakes too and learn from them instead of just learning by watching other people fall in a pit.
