Managing Personal Independence in the Modern Age

Within the complex terrain of the contemporary world, our level of freedom is a complex subject
that includes both restrictions and increased freedoms in relation to earlier generations. This
essay explores both aspects of this intricate question.

People now have strong legal rights, especially when it comes to protecting their gender and
race. Individual freedom is seen to need equal rights; two particularly important ones are the
freedom of people of all ethnic origins to select their own educational pathways and the
requirement for gender pay parity in equivalent employment roles, regardless of age.

On the other hand, for society to function, some restrictions must be placed on every person;
these restrictions are usually enshrined in laws. Unlike lawless governments that neglect to
provide essential protections, responsible citizens understand the critical role that obedience to
the law plays in safeguarding the weaker and impoverished members of society.

Tolerance is the foundation of a civilised society, promoting both religious and expressive
freedom. It is crucial to have the freedom to express opinions and political beliefs without
worrying about consequences. At the same time, the right to wear whatever makes one feel
comfortable shouldn't draw attention from the outside world.

But there are limits to personal freedom, as demonstrated by the abundance of information
available online on anything from consumer behaviour to relationship status. In contemporary
towns, CCTV cameras are commonplace, and children's ability to play unattended is restricted.
These actions certainly violate people's right to privacy, yet they also act as protections.

Despite a fictitious desire to return to a time before digital technology, 21st-century people must
learn to live within ever wider limits in a culture that celebrates the concept of "freedom." The
main reason for this adjustment is the widespread use of technology in contemporary culture.

In summary, the modern person navigates the complex web of cultural expectations and
technology impact while living in a precarious balance between rights and constraints.

William Htet Myat