Pieces in the Game of Life

Having a voice is what makes us human. The ability to speak our minds and express our feelings through words is something that no other creature can. (Or at least as far as we know.) With our voices we are able connect with people, change minds, build bridges, and stand up for ourselves. Our voices also allow us to advocate for ourselves. If we believe something is wrong or unjust we can speak up and try to invoke change. However, the ability to decide what happens to us is a privilege that many Americans take for granted.  Nearly all humans can physically express their opinions, but not all people possess the right to free speech. In countries like Russia and Syria “freedom of speech” is not a natural born right. If people say the wrong things they can be jailed or even killed. They don’t have a say in a lot of things that happen to them, and can’t even complain about their country’s wrongdoings.

Like most people, when I think of oppression of speech I think of food. Specifically apples. I love apples. I pretty much eat one every day. An apple doesn't have freedom of speech. It has no say in where it grows up, when it leaves the tree, and whether it gets a career in pie, applesauce, or simply stays in its original state. An apple’s life is entirely determined by other things. It doesn't have the privilege of being able to advocate for itself.

Everyone remembers a time when they were afraid to do something. Maybe it was riding a bike without training wheels, going on a roller coaster, or sleeping over at someone else’s house. Regardless, we've all been afraid. However, we've been able to say the words, “no, I’m not ready,” and then been allowed to try the bike the next day or ride the roller coaster the following year. An apple can’t do that. Maybe it’s not ready to leave the tree and all its friends, but can it advocate for itself? No! If someone else wants to pick that apple, it is saying goodbye to the tree right then and there. The apple is taken from its home without warning and can’t prevent the situation from happening.

The oppression of speech doesn't end there. The apple is also unable to decide what it becomes. Its career goal might be to end up part of a piece of apple strudel, but it’s unable to try and make that happen. It’s completely at the mercy of its surroundings.

When people’s voices are silenced it’s like they’re apples. Without voices they are just flotsam in the sea. They're like chess pieces, their lives lie in the hands of others. They have no identity, no individuality, and no say in what happens to them. People aren't apples, they’re people. They have feelings, thoughts, and opinions, all of which should not be condemned.