To understand democracy, we must first understand what the term means. Democracy: a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through the elected representatives. In more obvious terms: a government that is run indirectly by the people of a state. To exercise their means of citizenship people are given the freedoms that are given to them as a natural born right (voting, protesting, etc.). The rules of a democracy have been a central component for U.S. Policy to achieve goals to uphold the United States Constitution. The United States seeks to promote security, stability, and prosperity for the entire nation, which in turn gives people the opportunity to voice their own opinions without being ridiculed for their position. Strong figures like Bhutto believed that a democracy creates a “just society on earth on which principles are judged in the hereafter” (Bhutto 178). She believed that no matter where you are from in this world, that everyone should have an equal, just opportunity in society. Being the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan, which was a problem in the Islamic country, she was able to fight the double standard against women and allow freedom, education, and independences for all sexes in the community. Because of her well-educated background in politics, she transformed Pakistan into a democracy for the people. Unfortunately, this activism did not last long, as the sovereignty of religion and tradition soon replaced the great Prime Minister.
With opposing viewpoints from around the world, it creates tension in America’s modern contemporary society. Everyone in society is entitled to their own set of beliefs. Whether it be about simple issues or complex problems, you are allowed to express your how you feel. For centuries, protests and movements have been used as a way to reflect on important subject matter in the hopes of making a difference in the world. In 1964, MLK Jr. lead civil rights movements that helped put an end to segregation. “These movements are nourished by the contemporary frustration over the continued existence of racial discrimination” (MLK Jr.,4). In this era, many Americans lost faith in the government. Those who were people of color and those who secretly accepted segregation, felt powerless and afraid of what would happen if they spoke up. Because of MLK Jr., security was restored in what the government could not do. “Democracy is like prison” (Mandela). Although the government says that we are a free country, we are never truly free. With limitations set by laws, we are often caught in an inescapable network of mutuality and a single destiny. It’s hard for those brave enough to make change, because our political leaders constantly refuse “to engage in a good-faith negotiation” (MLK JR.,1), contributing to the never-ending chaos that is our democracy.
By looking at the works of significant figures in history, such as: Benazir Bhutto, Nelson Mandela, and MLK Jr., the commonality between them stems from their basic knowledge from when they started to read and write. By learning how to write, these individuals became less dependent on other’s ideas, and more independent on creating their own to bring political and social change. Many individuals trusted Bhutto, Mandela, and MLK Jr., because of how they communicated in expressing the means of freedom and peace. With a skill as powerful as reading and writing, perspectives could be challenged to achieve a solution for the greater good. When it came down to fighting for a democracy with Bhutto or enacting civil rights with MLK Jr., both were able to intelligently persuade a wide variety of people the importance of what it means to work together as a country. They were tired of living in a word of inequality when the country continually fought for their freedom. To make a difference involves stepping out of your comfort zone, and to have the power to write, pushed them to lead people to strive for something more in their lives instead of just settling.
When making a mistake it is important to know when you are wrong or are attacking someone. American contemporary society is never going to be perfect, but if we work on striving for a better tomorrow and be more considerate of others, we can make a big change. Not everyone is going to accept your input, but it’s important that as people, we learn from each other to attain peace between us. Involving ourselves in sharing our complex opinion shows others that our educational provides us with enough information to come to peaceful conclusions. The brave individuals: Bhutto, Mandela, and MLK Jr., show us that advancing our everyday skills in reading and writing can give us the courage to become activists and achieve equality for all. It may not be a ground shaking movement, or a governmental act, but to show that we are aware and accept others and their opinions is a great change in its own way.
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