The open borders have given us the opportunity to study, travel and settle anywhere within the European Union, a privilege that our parents dreamed and fought for. Now, we are certainly living different times, but while we are enjoying all these rights, we are also facing heavier burdens, responsibilities and challenges such as coping with irregular employment.
On one hand, the cultural diversity of cities intrigued us, yet on the other we become more competitive and forced to adapt to an unfamiliar system. At the same time, this free, appealing society, facilitated individualism to take the stage and thus, while being acquainted with people from all over the world, the contact with the family is done via FaceTime, WhatsApp and Facebook. This is where they greet us in our birthdays and where we share our moments… we, from our free society and them, from theirs.
And, oh! Yes! Safety! Apparently, we were not the only ones who got to enjoy this freedom, there were many others who took advantage of this window of opportunity, making crime to flourish and shattering with it our trust towards the government and law enforcement bodies. Nevertheless, isn’t fear one of the greatest weapons in the manipulation of masses? Karl Menninger once said: “fears are educated into us, and can, if we wish, be educated out”. Could we question then the advantage as an entitlement?
The necessity of developing a critical thinking in nowadays politics is priceless. It will directly affect the shape future generations will take. According to studies, only quarter of people are actually engaging in a debate willingly to listen to opposing ideas. This leaves around 75% of others at the mercy of media and few policy makers, with some of the results being the hater towards minorities, insensibility concerning social crises and corruption.
We shall not forget that before losing ourselves, most of us have had similar, human goals.
Although we should be rational in regard to changing the world, yet there is still hope that together we can create a better future. And if your daily struggles and responsibilities does not confer you enough time in getting involved much, start by playing with a child.
Whatever your reasoning might be, always remember to be moral and free... or at least, this was partly Kant’s perception of freedom.
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| Cartoon by Tomi Ungerer |
