Where Is Independence?

Walking to the beat of your own drum or following your own conscience could be considered independence. Not being swayed by popular opinion, popular polls or peer pressure is another way to look at independence. I ponder where is independence?

Independence in thought is what caused Albert Einstein to flunk math, yet develop the theory of relativity. Independence in principles caused the pilgrims to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to find a new life, in a new world. Independence has always preceded great accomplishments.

The threat to independence seems to be conformity. I’m not referring to the wild, no holds bar, let it all hang out independence. I’m speaking of the independent freedom to ponder ideas (yes, I said ponder), then gather conclusions based upon personal beliefs.

In this age of conformity, Ms. California stood independently and lost a crown because of it. After being asked a question on national television regarding her beliefs on same sex marriage, she stood independently on a principal belief based upon her core values. She said, “I believe marriage is between a man and woman.” Her answer, which seems to be unpopular, caused much controversy and debate. Her independence was attached with full force.

In politics there is an Independent party, as apposed to the Democratic or Republican parties. The Democratic Party says it stands for liberal ideas and the Republican Party for conservative ideas. What about independent ideas? Do they reside in the Independent Party? A party seems to stand in the middle on most political issues, having no specific agenda of its own.

In the media, unrestrained independence is in full effect. We see freedom of speech turned into unrestraint, with shock-jocks telling it all and reality shows letting us see it all. The independent media has blurred lines and has made wrong look very right. This independence of expression was unleashed in the 1960s and has never turned back.

As I ponder where independence is I look at my own rebellious spirit. I don’t go with the flow, I don’t follow the herd, and I stand up even if it means standing alone. I acknowledge leaders, without conforming my ideas, beliefs or standards to theirs. I am happily independent.

In my conclusion, independence is freely flexing all over the place. The good, the bad and the ugly are all out there being independent. Without limits and unrestricted, independence is out there flapping in the wind. Like civilizations of past, hopefully we don’t flap too far.
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