Dear Editor,

People often speak of Emancipation and Independence as if they were unquestionable gifts, similar to the gift of speech, sight, taste, smell, and hearing. Slavery, by its definition, is obviously antithetical to human justice. Yet freedom from physical slavery may not be something that is universally appreciated.

For example, not long after the Israelites were freed from bondage in Egypt under the oppressive rule of Pharaoh they started to reminisce and long for the the free food they were eating as slaves in Egypt. The freedom they had in the wilderness became negotiable for food.

The Israelites were not unique, there were some slaves in biblical times who were so attached to their masters they would reject the prospect of being freed. Possibly, the dislike of personal responsibility would make some endure the harshness of their masters as long as free meals were provided at the end of the day.

Therefore, to someone who loves to be taken care of, even by an oppressive master, freedom and independence mean nothing. To them, freedom is just status without practical value. This is not about whether Jamaica’s Independence was good or bad, but simply an observation.

Even in many relationships today, this perspective is prominent. For example, a number of women have expressed undying love for a man who has physically abused them because, at the end of the day, that man will supply her material needs. Even nations and governments have become slaves to other governments who hold economic leverage over them.

Thus, when a teenager becomes emancipated from the roof of his or her parents, on the surface it may appear as a good thing until the responsibilities that such freedom entails start piling up.

Freedom doesn’t come with its own value or in a vacuum. So whether emancipation and independence are good or bad depends on who has it.

Homer Sylvester

h2sylvester@gmail.com