Are We Free?

Despite core values been directly linked to freedom, specifically to those of us residing in America, total freedom seems nearly nonexistent. We live where the list goes on and on with types of freedoms or unalienable rights that we are all accustomed to. However, evidence exists that even those at the top, such as Lincoln or Kennedy, can almost be sacrificed due to their more radical beliefs. We have freedom, but in many parts of the country and the world, one cannot even marry the one they love, partake in spiritual rituals/ceremonies, or experiment with drugs without the fear of government collision. Even deeper than this, in the parts where one is granted the freedom to do so, it does not prevent outlast from others to use their so called freedom to discriminate against them. In places like China, individuals cannot even have Facebook to express their values or opinions. But here in America, where almost everyone is on Facebook, they can have profiles deactivated over certain statements and can have it used against them legally if a situation ever evoked the need. Comparing this to Mill and Marx, I would have to say I slightly to believe in both of their ideals. However, I personally believe that the ability for an individual to acquire complete freedom with this world is nearly if not impossible as we are all partially confined to laws, burdens, and restrictions that society and government enforces upon us.

Is Buddhism Possible in US?

Contemporary United States culture is obsessive, self-involved, and in certain aspects very shallow. We live in a culture where selfies are an art form, and most Americans from all age and social groups, thrive off of social media where they primary talk about themselves and speak their own personal opinions. I am not saying that this is necessarily a bad thing. However, I do believe that it makes practices of a selfless spirituality such as Buddhism nearly impossible. Not entirely impossible, because despite the plethora of self involvement that our culture is infested with, those with the correct discipline could most definitely be a practicing Buddhist. However temptations are heavily ready in the United States, so it would be a daily or more realistically a constant act of disciple to stay genuine to Buddhism. Despite all of this, I believe that there are still constant acts of kindness that exemplify selfless awareness and the urgency to help those in need. Living in the contemporary United States may have many selfish aspects but that isn't all that defines our culture. Desires do not necessarily have to have a negative connotation but ultimately associating it with Buddhism would only allow for that negative connotation to thrive. Our culture may be tempting, seductive, and thriving on desires and although all of this leads to a challenging culture to practice Buddhism in, with the proper discipline it could be possible.