http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Giver
The Giver by Lois Lowry is a fascinating book that deals with views on freedom and this invokes my interest. This science-fiction novel revolves around a world where people are bound to a predetermined future, confined to a specific lifestyle, and trapped in an emotionless state without knowledge of anything, but the rule of their utopian society. It is a complex concept to grasp, but I am beginning to understand, just as Jonas is starting to realize that everything is not what it seems. In our world we have much more freedom than in the community Jonas lives in, although we still have rules that set us in order. Multiple questions are brought forth from this book such as the one I am willing to answer: Why is interdependence fostered in this community?
From a young age people of Jonas's community are taught to depend on one another. Everyone looks out for each other. For instance, in this community, children button each other coats and jackets from the back gaining a confidence that they have someone who would aid them when they were in need. No one is to point out differences that they notice and they cannot brag about their accomplishments and skills, thus not provoking problems. The Ceremony of Twelve is when the people are beginning to feel a little more independent, as they are given various occupations and welcome their sole talent, although they still feel dependent with others. The job of the Receiver is solitary and is the one position where the person is to be independent. Everyone else is of a mutual understanding that they remain supporting each other.
This sense of interdependence is fostered in this community, probably because the Committee enforces this. If everyone depends on each other, then there is less chance of wars and disruption. Everything would remain the same and thus be balanced and organized. No one would turn against another, or disagree, and peace would reign. A bond of trust is created between everyone and there is a feeling of reassurance. If the community trusts and respects the Committee then the Committee is able to do whatever they please to ensure a successful community and the society would go along with this. The community would feel safer, for you would know that anyone would offer their protection and defense. Younger children would hold adults in high regard, and have faith that whatever they do is right and will behave identically. The people of this community respect and depend on the Committee. This interdependence establishes a stable, trusting community who would respect the Committee in time of need.
Though interdependence should be fostered in a society, so should a comprehension of individuality and independence. For if the Committee were to make a wrong decision, then the community would unquestioningly follow, also making a mistake. If everyone depended on one leader in charge, then there would be no choice and no opinion. The voice of the people would not be heard. The people just go by their schedule and what the Committee tells them to do, because they have formed an interdependent relationship with them. These people do not have the liberty of exploring and inventing new ways to enhance society, because they are restricted by the predetermined future the Committee has set for them. Their futures would be predetermined and set by the leader, without any say in what will happen to them. Even if the leader does choose a fair future, there would be no alteration if the person did not like the decided future. Being independent and having the freedom to make your own decisions is not available in this community, due to its strong dependence with the commanding person and confinement in rights. People should have the right to decide what they think is justified and be able to help themselves if there was no one they could depend on and they should in turn respect each other's differences, as others, too, have rights. The Committee itself depends on the people of the community. If someone were to step out of order it would disrupt the run of the society, for everyone has a specific job that assists the community in some way. Independence should be treasured, for it is an advantage and enables you to be able to make your own decisions and not have to depend on someone, entirely.
This question drew me to ponder about our current society. In The Giver the community depends on each other. In our world, people depend on our elected presidents or people to finalize decisions, but only after taking the opinions of the community. We have the right to vote and speak against situations that we do not agree with. In most places there is a freedom of opinion, which I think is essential in a community. If it was not for our freedom of opinion, there would be no positive change brought to the world from great people like Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi. In this way we do have our independence and are able to make our own choices. Although an interdependence between the community has its advantages, I am glad that in my world, for the most part, we are not completely dependent on someone, because I am an individual person and deserve to have my say in what happens to my world and so does everyone else.
Change starts with an independent ripple, which evolves into an interdependent wave that can improve humanity and all its worth.
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