PUB 3- Freedom

           Freedom can be defined as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. There has been a constant fight for freedom all throughout history. This idea can be supported by Egalitarian beliefs. In Webster’s dictionary, Egalitarianism is “the belief in human equality especially with respect to social, political, and economic affairs; a social philosophy advocating the removal of inequalities among people”. Many different types of people with all different backgrounds have faced struggles and fought battles just to gain the equality that they knew they deserved. A famous man named Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader of the civil rights movement. He once stated ”Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” This quotes expresses the struggle to gain equality in our country. It also shows how it has been a constant battle throughout history for some whether it be from racism, inequity, or discrimination. Martin Luther King Jr. led a battle for many years that changed the lives of African Americans from then on. After slavery was abolished in the 19th century, it was still a struggle for equality between African Americans and the white people living in America. He gained rights for African Americans, and eliminated segregation. This also opened the eyes for many others being oppressed in America.  

   Whether it be socially, economically, or politically, many minorities are still being oppressed to this day. The reason there are issues when it comes to equality is because certain Americans try to take advantage of the struggle of others. The only way for oppression to stop is for the oppressed to stand up and fight for what they believe in. Throughout the short story, “A White Woman of Color” by Julia Alvarez, you can see and start to understand the struggle of racism even though its not blatant. Julia Alvarez stated in her piece, “It was clear to us growing up then that lighter was better, but there was no question of discrimination against someone because he or she was dark skinned”(Alvarez 6). Even though segregation was illegal, it doesn't change the mindset of people. Within that time period it was considered a social norm. Julia Alvarez also stated, “There was no segregation of races in the halls of power. But in the aesthetic arena—the ones to which we girls were relegated as females—lighter was better. Lank hair and pale skin and small, fine features were better” (Alvarez 6). If it wasn't politically or economically oppression, it was socially. 

   To this day women are facing some of the biggest struggles when it comes to equality. In many job fields, men are being payed and treated way better. Men have always had more opportunities in comparison to women especially when you look back at throughout history. one of the first signs of the inequality between men and women was when men had the right to vote over women. A major issue being brought up in the news today in how underpaid the women national soccer team is compared to the mens team. It is a deeply-rooted problem that is still showing up today. Five players from the women's national team Carli Lloyd, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Hope Solo went public filing a federal complaint against the U.S. Soccer Federation for wage discrimination. They have many facts to support their case. They state that from the start male players are still getting paid more just for showing up. The women received $15,000 for qualifying for the World Cup roster while the men made more than $50,000. FIFA payed the mens team $9 million after losing in round 16. The women won the World Cup and were only awarded $2 million. This is not limited to just the players. Two years ago the mens team head coach had a salary of about $3.2 million while the women's team head coach made $185,000. They are going public with their case which is the first step in gaining the equality they are fighting for. This opened the eyes for many other women oppressed in the work field. It goes deeper and shows people the purpose of fighting. There should always be freedom and equality for all.