Democracy in Our America

Democracy in Our America
Democracy is a loaded word. To ask 100 people on any street in America, “How do you define democracy?”, is a question that could quite possibly bring back 100 different answers. The word itself is not confusing, but it is word for which Americans have different interpretations. Although we as Americans think of democracy as “our word”, it is a word that also invokes passion in people around the globe. What I believe that democracy has meant to America in the past 200 years is a push towards the future, the fight for individualism and a deeper sense of unity throughout our country.
As it is used in American government, democracy provides the framework for any change to take place according to how the people want it to take place. Democracy is the freedom of individualism- the place where one voice can be heard. Because of our country’s democracy, a law such as freedom of speech is practically a necessity. How can a country truly declare a democracy in which the people of a country make the decisions, but are unable to express those positions in public? I once had a government teacher in high school who repeated over and over to my classmates and I that the most radical political groups are a great thing for America because they are a constant reminder of our democracy. Americans are allowed to express opinions freely because of our democratic system. The fact that we can live without fear when speaking poorly about our own government is to me, reason enough to support a democracy.
In contrast with my great support of democracy in America, I realize that this democracy has created not only unity but also divisions in our nation. Many times when people are given the freedom to express their opinions openly, it brings about anger in the opposing party and creates hatred. Violence can become prevalent in these situations where people begin to turn into animals and stop treating one another as human beings. Although this loathing of a fellow American is not “good” for our country, it does sometimes inspire people to take those opposing positions and not be afraid to be the minority.
I believe that Americans are passionate, but much of that passion should be given thanks, in part, to democracy. Having the democratic system not only allows Americans to vote but first, to form their judgment on any certain subject. Americans are provided with choice. What a great freedom to have! Allowing Americans to have options has provided, as Walt Whitman wrote, “spiritual and intellectual breakthroughs.” People strive to become themselves and search within themselves for their own ideas and individual thoughts. In “Democracy in America”, Whitman emphasized the importance of self-betterment. To be an American is to strive to be the best, according to him. His high hopes and expectations of Americans were written in defense of democracy. “The peaceablest and most good natured race in the world, and the most personally independent and intelligent [are Americans]”, stated Whitman. Although I may not go as far to say that I agree wholeheartedly with that statement, I do draw inspiration from it. If a man who is living during the bloodiest battle in American history can go as far to say that Americans are peaceable, then I respect his love for our country.
The overall effects of democracy in America have been a continuously displayed through our history. People in America do not stay quiet about their concerns and continue to have conversations with one another for what they believe is the betterment of America. I am fortunate to take a course in which I can have those conversations with nearly 50 peers of the same generation but different backgrounds. I have spoke of the ideals of democracy as being unifying, inspiring and ultimately important for the future of America. I know that I use my privilege of democracy not only every day that I have our American Conversation course but also in the very writing of this paper, and I am eternally grateful to have that freedom.