Write An Essay Of 1200 Words Explaining: What Is Freedom And

Write an essay of 1200 words explaining: "What freedom and democracy mean to you"

Freedom and democracy are concepts that hold profound significance for individuals who have endured repression and sought liberation from authoritarian regimes. For many, including those who have experienced firsthand the oppressive machinery of governments like Cuba under Fidel Castro, these ideals embody the fundamental rights to self-determination, expression, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment. The personal journey of a young Cuban girl—an exemplary student, a military school graduate, and a medical student—illustrates how the absence of democracy and freedom can stifle talent, impose suffering, and thwart the aspirations of those yearning for a life of liberty.

The girl’s story begins in Guantanamo, Cuba, where she attended the prestigious Camilo Cienfuegos Military School. Excelling academically, she was recognized as the best student of her institution, an honor that reflected her dedication and intelligence. Her academic journey was rooted in discipline and patriotism, yet beneath these achievements lay a stark reality: the oppressive political environment controlled by the Castro government. As a leader within the student organization, the FEU (Federation of University Students)—a body manipulated by military authorities—she was compelled to propagate messages that suited the regime’s narrative, silencing her own voice in the process.

Despite her academic excellence and aspirations of becoming a medical doctor, the regime’s grip tightened when she sought to break free from the enforced lies. She decided to resign from the military medical program, seeking to continue her studies in a civilian institution, aspiring to a career in medicine without the shadows of control and coercion. Her petition was denied, illustrating how the regime’s restricted view of personal choice and freedom suppressed individual ambitions. Furthermore, even after her grades were recognized in her home state, the military authorities refused to release her from the academic prison they had constructed, deliberately delaying her progress and altering her grades to punish her disobedience.

The regime’s oppressive tactics persisted: two years of forced delay, restrictions, and manipulation meant that her dreams were continuously thwarted. The military hierarchy insisted that she study only in their military-controlled schools, stripping her of her right to choose her educational pathway and, by extension, her future. It was only after prolonged suffering and frustration that she was granted a second chance—a small victory that underscored her resilience but also highlighted how authoritarian regimes deprive citizens of basic rights, including freedom of choice, speech, and pursuit of happiness.

Eventually, the girl made the courageous decision to leave Cuba and seek asylum in the United States, a land she perceives as a symbol of democracy and freedom. Since 2016, she has been studying at Miami Dade College, where her academic record is impeccable. Her dedication and excellence in her studies reflect her appreciation for the liberties she now enjoys. Her experience in the United States has profoundly shaped her understanding of what freedom and democracy truly mean. To her, these ideals are not abstract concepts but vital rights that enable individuals to pursue their passions, speak openly, and live without fear of repression.

Her journey from a repressive regime to a democratic society exemplifies the transformative power of freedom. In Cuba, the lack of democracy meant her talents and ambitions were suppressed; her voice was silenced, her rights denied. The Cuban government’s control over education, speech, and political expression prevented her from realizing her potential, turning her bright future into a nightmare of lies and delay. Her experience underscores how authoritarian regimes undermine human dignity by curtailing individual rights and maintaining power through fear and repression.

Shifting to the United States, she encountered a society that values democracy and individual freedoms. Here, she experienced the true meaning of these concepts: a system where her voice is heard, her talents are recognized, and her choices are respected. Her pursuit of a medical career is no longer hindered by authoritarian control but supported by the principles of liberty and equal opportunity that define the American system. She now understands that democracy involves fair representation, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights. Freedom, in this context, means the ability to think independently, to express oneself openly, and to make personal decisions without coercion or fear.

Her personal story is a testament to the importance of democracy and freedom in fostering human potential. It highlights how authoritarian regimes can distort, manipulate, and suppress individual aspirations, and how the absence of these rights can be devastating for talented and ambitious individuals. Her journey also emphasizes that the struggle for democracy involves courage—leaving behind familiar but oppressive environments to seek liberty in foreign lands.

In reflection, what this girl’s experiences reveal is that democracy and freedom are essential for nurturing talent, promoting societal progress, and respecting human dignity. These principles uphold the right to education, free expression, and personal autonomy—crucial elements for a prosperous and just society. Her story illustrates that democracy is about more than just elections; it is about the everyday rights that enable a person to live with dignity and pursue happiness.

Furthermore, her story underscores the global relevance of advocating for democracy and freedom around the world. It serves as a reminder that many people still live under oppressive regimes where their basic rights are violated. Her transition from a Cuban military school student to a successful college student in America demonstrates the profound impact that freedom can have on an individual’s life. This transformation affirms that democracy is a necessary condition for personal and societal flourishing.

In conclusion, for this young Cuban girl, freedom and democracy are the foundation of her current success and well-being. They represent the opportunity to pursue her dreams without fear or coercion, to express her authentic self, and to live with the dignity that every human deserves. Her personal journey exemplifies the vital importance of these ideals and reinforces the urgent need to continue advocating for democracy worldwide. Only through the protection and promotion of these values can individuals truly unlock their potential and build a better future for themselves and their communities.

References

• Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018). How democracies die. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Huntington, S. P. (1991). The third wave: democratization in the late twentieth century. University of Oklahoma Press.
• Linz, J. J., & Stepan, A. (1996). Problems of democratic transition and consolidation: Southern Europe, South America, and post-communist Europe. Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Fidel Castro. (2008). Cuba and the future of Latin America. Monthly Review Press.
• Smith, T. (2014). Cuba: What everyone needs to know. Oxford University Press.
• Freedom House. (2023). Freedom in the World Report. https://freedomhouse.org
• Amnesty International. (2022). Cuba 2022 report. https://amnesty.org
• Wedeen, L. (2010). Peripheral visions: Public memories and political change in Cuba. University of Chicago Press.
• U.S. Department of State. (2023). Cuba country report on human rights practices. https://state.gov
• Ginsburg, T., & Melton, G. (2009). Measuring judicial independence. In The Judicial System and Human Rights (pp. 43-67). Cambridge University Press.