Australia is a lucky country. It is a rich western democracy where its people enjoy wealth, health and freedom. On the surface it may appear so, and compared to other countries, we live in a country that we believe is free but how do we define freedom? The definition of freedom is “The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants” (Oxforddictionariescom, 2016). Australians have lots of rights. However on contemplation and reflection, it appears we are not as free as we believe to be. Society has a particular expectation of how people are portrayed. It believes we are meant to look and behave in a certain way. Someone who doesn't live up to these expectations can be shunned by society. A person suffering from mental illness, disability or a problem with …show more content…
However, if they have an unwanted pregnancy it will depend upon certain criteria and which state they are in as to whether they will be able to access an abortion. Furthermore they are free to spend their wages on whatever they want however if under the age of eighteen adolescents are unable to buy alcohol and cigarettes. Plus, some Indigenous communities have alcohol restrictions that limit the amount and type of alcohol that is allowed to be bought or consumed in that community and some others have it banned completely.
Australians are free to get an education. However, it is compulsory to attend school and pay the required payments between the ages of 6.5 and 16. Voting is also classed as a freedom yet it is compulsory to vote and you will be fined if you don’t vote so even though we have the freedom to vote and get an education we don’t have the right not to.
How free are we? I used to believe that I was free, free to wear what I want, marry who I want, spend how I want, act and speak as I want. Upon reflection, I realise that I cannot do all these things restrictions are placed upon all of us in this lucky