JE13 Give Me Liberty or...

            In Chinese society, both China and Taiwan, not much freedom exists during the time of being students. Taking Taiwan as an example, students have to wear uniforms to schools and have to follow lots of rule in order to be the “good kids” in parents’ eyes. Throughout the Chinese history, China has valued the importance of etiquette. However, it was actually because of the lack of manners. When there’s a need of something, people import it. It is the same as promoting etiquette. But when promoting doesn’t work, people make rules to restrict people’s behavior. This shaped the Chinese society to be suppressive and restrictive. When we speak of freedom, most Taiwanese people would describe it as the freedom of speech and being themselves. Another reason is that Taiwan only has one race of people so it is harder for us to accept a different looking or culture. Conversely, America is like a big home to everyone in the world.

When I think of freedom, I think of it both politically and personally. Politically, I feel glad that my government is democratic, allowing me to be who I am and can almost do whatever I want. Personally, I think of freedom as my relationships with people and environments around me. In some places, or to some people, I cannot fully express who I am and have to behave under some restrictions.