| Truly independent comes from the mind, not from firework displays |
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| Written by Jason Boyd, The Shorthorn news editor | ||||
| Tuesday, 30 June 2009 02:05 PM | ||||
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Thomas Deak wanted to spread some joy. The sociology graduate student started waving to people and saying “hi” most every weekday in fall 2008. A small step, yes. He wanted to spread some joy, but some thought it was creepy and questioned his motives. He didn’t stop for a year. That’s independent. Camea Kirkpatrick broke her back in January 2009 and walked across the stage four months later. She told The Shorthorn she refused to not graduate on time. She fought for ways to finish her studies when most would, understandably, be too busy wallowing in self-pity. That’s independent. And we can all start on July Fourth. This holiday commemorates the 1776 Declaration of Independence signing, but that declaration used established beliefs. The Founding Fathers borrowed John Locke’s theory of natural rights, switching the term to “inalienable rights.” And the document’s reference to “consent of the governed” is a form of the social contract theory, which Socrates crafted more than 2,000 years prior. In Plato’s Crito , Socrates refuses to escape from jail and death, despite feeling innocent, saying he consented to a contract with the government by staying in Athens all his life. The declaration didn’t ensure independent minds wouldn’t be squashed, it was the Constitution, Bill of Rights and the founders’ vision of government. Now, we barbecue and blow things up, hailing the great independence we enjoy. The Founding Fathers put the idea in motion, but we have to carry it forward. We aren’t doing enough. Being in a clique with few members doesn’t make someone unique. Belonging to a party, Democratic or Republican, that says it’s for independence doesn’t make you independent. Believing something, even if only five people believe it, isn’t independent. We are the UTA Mavericks. Being one starts with thinking outside the box, continues with action and ends with not compromising. This Independence Day resolve to be independent. Be a maverick of the mind. — Jason Boyd is a journalism junior and The Shorthorn news editor Views: 835 | E-mail
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 20 August 2009 10:39 AM ) | ||||
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