Are Equality and Freedom Mutually Incompatible - Coursework Example

Are ‘equality’ and ‘freedom’ mutually incompatible? Introduction In a world of changing fortunes, equality and freedom do not seem to go hand in hand. This is because there are varying issues which need to be understood firstly before one can hope to tie them together. These concerns surface in the realization that international relations must be taken care of, and that too in such a way that there is maximum significance for the individuals who form a vital part of any society. The world of today is on a constant war with itself – moving ahead and changing routines. It would not be wrong to suggest that this self-imposed war is due to the various subjects which have taken place all because of man’s own making. Essentially put, equality and freedom cannot be deemed compatible because there are elements which would not let the two integrate and form a cohesive basis. This discussion centers on the premise of equality and freedom being incompatible from a number of perspectives in this day and age. The Equality Myth Being equal or thinking in terms of creating a balance is equality that is appreciated by the people within any society of the world. The equality topic has been much debated about with little ideological success. This is one of the most sought after matter when it comes to the underprivileged nations of the world. The case might be low in gravity yet still exists for the developing and already developed countries (Speeden 2006:87-91)1. The difference lies in the intensity that essentially exists. Equality is appreciated by those who do not have it within their fore but not given much significance by those who are already on the higher pedestal of the society. This is common human nature and must not be written off that quickly. It would be true to write off equality as a thing of the past yet there is commitment shown towards its resurgence especially amongst the people who have not had a fair enough idea of how equality looks and feels like. It has turned into a myth because people do not pay much heed towards its different domains, making it look like ‘just another ideology of the past.’ The evidence for re-igniting equality within the human populace is hard to find. Freedom Domains The struggle to attain freedom seems like a far-fetched proposition at times. This is because freedom is not easily achievable. It has both its merits and demerits which need to be taken into consideration before moving ahead further. The ideology of being free and independent is given more air by the people who are suppressed and do not have the most ideal conditions. Those who are free do not encourage it within others. Also they would rather not talk about freedom since they have never felt it this way. The ones who had struggled to make their way are appreciative of how important and satisfying a feeling it is in essence (Rader 2000)2. This is the reason why underprivileged communities of the world are always raising their voice against the oppressing forces so that they can attain freedom. The act of being liberal is an unmatched proposition which has not been matched thus far. Freedom will continue to be seen as a major force to reckon with, and its significance will rise as and when there is a need (Martin 2002: 78-98)3. For now, it is a reality that has dawned upon mankind. The constant struggle of freedom fighters all over the world only justifies how imperative it remains for them on any given account. How the Incompatibility Arises? Given the political rhetoric which is tossed up every now and then, the mere phrase of equality and freedom in combination with one another leaves one to fathom how these two could possibly exist together. The terms ‘equality’ and ‘freedom’ is spoken of time and again, however the context for the two seem to be out of context. No matter one discusses the propositions of politics, the society, race, gender or any other disposition – the fact of the matter remains that the incompatibility between ‘equality’ and ‘freedom’ remains (Sorensen and Jackson 2007: 55)4. Combining the two seems to be a fatal myth, an endangered philosophy which can have lasting effects. The impossible nature of the two makes the claim incompatible and mismatched, leaving no room for further explanation. The two terms are mathematically put, are inversely proportional to each other. When real freedom is talked about, then equality can never be achieved. The same goes for equality that if the topic is to create a balancing act, then freedom gets shackled for one reason or the other. The incompatibility so arises when both equality and freedom try to overtake with one another, though in different capacities and amounts. This is the starting of such nuances where neither one of these aspects is achieved or gathered in entirety. It sets the ball rolling, though in the opposite direction of what was imagined earlier. The Debate Equality and freedom have a problem as far as their mutual existence is concerned. The two would agree to disagree if these were humans. In terms of plausible comprehension, equality and freedom are inter-linked to differ, so much so that if one goes up then the other comes down; if one musters confidence, then the other lacks space to survive; if one becomes stronger then the other is feeble and downtrodden. In such a scenario, the best foot forward would be to determine a common ground. However, this does not seem coming due to reasons revolving around the international relations and human understanding disciplines. Countries that seek freedom and liberty must not complain for inequality that comes about (Baldwin 1995:117-141)5. Similarly, those nations where equality is present, the freedom premise do not become an important entity. It is best to discern a common agenda or platform from where much success could be envisaged, but then again the incompatibility and unmatched nature of their togetherness starts to resurface, taking away with it any chances of a rebuttal. The debate therefore centers on the premise of the incompatibility which is usually seen as a deterrent towards creating equality or freedom but inconsiderate towards both of these aspects in combination with one another. The tying in of these two tangents is what is widely regarded as a perfect scenario which does not seem to come within the global affairs. Changing Concepts, Defying the Odds In order to justify compatibility between equality and freedom, there is a dire need to pave the way for it to happen. However, this does not sound as easy as it is. The two tangents are inversely proportional to one another, which signify that there is an immense amount of dissatisfaction if one of the two factors is talked about or achieved in entirety. This is one grave issue which comes up as a bone of contention between the two and the amount of complexity starts getting bigger as the situation becomes bigger. In order to find the compatibility premise, it would perhaps be a better option to achieve something that can be regarded as a defying proposition (Ettinger 2005)6. Once the already set norms are defied, the things start becoming easier. In the scenario between equality and freedom, this is easier said than done because of the immensely significant repercussions that are attached with these two. Thus changing the concepts here would not achieve the desired results; rather put the entire blame on the regimes which bring about equality and freedom, one after the other, but not in unison at all. It would be better off for everyone if this debate is done away with so that the incompatibility discussions do not make headlines for all the wrong reasons. It would also put to rest the enormous amounts of rifts and tussles which keep on coming up as times pass by, especially under the societal settings. Conclusion To summarize the discussion at hand, it would be fair to suggest that both equality and freedom are very serious and respectable factors within any society of the world. There is a need to get the two together in some form so that maximum benefits for the sake of the people of this world can be attained, yet it does not seem to happen that easily. The incompatibility debate comes in which leaves a bad taste in the mouth of all and sundry, and which for a number of reasons cannot be achieved as either one of the two factors can be seen as a reality in this day and age, as well as in the past. There has to be a definitive stance adopted by the members of the society as far as their undertakings are concerned. It can so happen when there are concerted efforts by the human populace to mend their ways, and that too within quantifiable proportions. All said and done, this discussion emanates from the basis of equality and freedom and shall culminate on their disparities which exist. There is no reason why a sense of negativity must prevail because inherently these two factors were never supposed to be tied up together. Bibliography Baldwin, D. (1995). “Security Studies and the End of the Cold War”, World Politics, vol. 48, no. 1, pp.117-141 Ettinger, D. (2005). “Politics and International Relations Resource”, Reference Reviews, vol. 19, no. 8 Martin, L. (2002). “An Institutionalist View: International Institutions and State Strategies", in T.V. Paul and J.A. Hall (eds.), International Order and the Future of World Politics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp.78-98 Rader, H. (2000). “Intellectual freedom: 2000 and beyond”, Reference Services Review, vol. 28, no. 1 Sorensen, G. & Jackson, R. (2007). Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches. Oxford: Oxford University Press Speeden, S. (2006). “Equality and regeneration: conflicting priorities?”, International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 26, no. 5/6, pp.87-91 Read More