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What happens to democracy when liberty is restricted?

Vincenza Papez

As a user of social media, I have pondered over the question of what happens to democracy when liberty is restricted. It’s a complex question and the answer is by no means simple as it involves various aspects that are all interconnected.

To begin with, it's important to understand that democracy and liberty are two sides of the same coin. Democracy is a system that allows people to express their views, exercise their right to vote, and be part of collective decision-making. Conversely, liberty is an inherent right that comes with being a part of a democratic society. It is the freedom to express one's thoughts, opinions and to make choices without fear of persecution. The two ideals go hand in hand, but what happens when one is cutoff?

Restricting liberty implies limiting the freedom of individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, and to access information. It can manifest in different ways, from limiting access to the internet, censoring news media, restricting freedom of expression through legislation, or limiting access to participation in political processes. In turn, this leads to the dominance of a few over many and creates a sense of powerlessness among democratic citizens.

Further, if liberty is restricted, it leads to a democratic deficit where the government and elites become the sole decision-makers. This can create a vacuum where people become disillusioned, which can lead to the rise of extremist groups advocating for a return to the times of more significant individual independence. The rise of such groups can further threaten already precarious democracies. This is because such groups usually preach divisive views and promote intolerance, neither of which is beneficial to a democratic society.

Additionally, restrictions on liberty can lead to increased apathy and disinterest in political processes. People may not see the point of voting or participating in collective decision-making processes when they feel that their voice will be censored, ignored, or worse - actively suppressed.

Furthermore, restricting liberty can perpetuate inequality. If only a select few are allowed to express their views and shape society's narrative, then the voices and needs of minorities and marginalized groups become lost. This results in a society that fails to be truly representational and democratic in structure.

In conclusion, from my perspective as a user of social media, it is important for democratic societies to uphold liberty as a fundamental right. It is through the unrestricted exercise of individual freedom that democracy attains its full meaning. If liberty is restricted, so is democracy and this paves the way for a society that is unequal, undemocratic, and potentially authoritarian. Instead, we must continue to fight for unrestricted liberty, information access, and unencumbered participation in political processes, as only then can we create a truly representative and democratic society.