WHEN Emancipation was declared in 1833 and this was made final in 1834, and by extension, when Indentureship came to an end in 1917, these acts conjured up the idea of ‘freedom.’ However, one must bear in mind that freedom is not mere physical. It is far more than the removing of shackles and the repealing of laws. Freedom is much more, and it has at least two facets. So let us look at freedom in this broader sense. First, when the Africans were declared free, it actually meant that they were not obliged to respond to the ‘beck and call’ of slave masters, plantation owners, and colonial leaders. At this juncture, they were re-instated with their God-given, inherent right to be self governing, both collectively and personally.
This meant that they were free to set their own agendas. They were free to sleep and wake when they wanted; cook and work, worship and sing, play and raise families, according to their own whims and fancies. This allowed them to reclaim many aspects of their life styles-theologically, spiritually, linguistically, and culturally. After all, this aspect of being and doing, according to personal choice, is a manifestation of freedom. However, freedom, in the context of emancipation is not just about doing. It is also about realising. This takes us to the dimension of the mind.
According to Haile Selassie, the urgent need is to emancipate the mind (Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds). The mind is the only uncapturable asset of a human being. Martin Carter depicts this also.
“Out of time I carve a monument.
Out of a jagged block of convict years I carve it.
The sharp knife of dawn glitters in my hand
but how bare is everything tall, tall tree
infinite air, the unrelaxing tension of the world
and only hope, hope only the kind eagle soars
and wheels in flight.”
(Lines from Martin Carter’s “The Kind Eagle,”
So there is where true freedom must germinate. Martin Luther King spoke of the power of the mind to dream. After all, what the mind can ‘picturise,’ the body seeks to ‘actualize’ and ‘realize.’ Now since the mind cannot be imprisoned, what are the avenues it can explore?
There is the idea that people of colour and especially those who are living in ‘not-so-fortunate’ circumstances are less endowed. This is far from the truth. Intelligence, aptitude, abilities and gifts for certain sports are no respecter of persons, races, religion, and colour. The whites, the blacks, and the in-between have all shown that with hard work, time management and vision, most anything can be successfully pursued. So one must first be liberated mentally, and then he becomes truly free.
Emancipation is therefore not only about the physical and the spiritual. It is also not only about doing, but also about not doing. You see, freedom involves a great responsibility. Yes it is a great privilege and a human right, but unless handled properly, it can be wasted in wantonness and licentiousness. So here are some responsible choices that should be made, especially within the context of the Guyanese society.
First, freedom must be used to choose a path of education. During the colonial days, there was an exemption clause for Indians. Africans were compelled to go to school, but not the Indians. Today, many are taking education for granted. In this post-1992 era, education is free, unbiased, and most accessible. Many are of the opinion that those of the unemployed category, and those who are poor, are so because of some stroke of misfortune, bad circumstances, or a failed government. All these suppositions are untenable. Also, all these situations can be ameliorated. The way, and many times the only way to reverse this is via education. So irrespective of race, class, colour and religion, the idea that is being strongly put forward here, is that one must get an education. In Guyana, there is no excuse-all the way to secondary, all across the hinterland, and in any subject area, education is begging to be embraced. So, please take the freedom to choose to be educated most seriously.
The second aspect of freedom with responsibility is that of choosing to be responsible. Responsibility is a precious word in the English language. It simply connotes the idea of always thinking upon consequences and repercussions. One’s freedom must never impinge upon the safety and values of others. So the big question is to always ask, will my freedom to do a certain thing, and be a certain way lead to the violation of another’s right. Let me illustrate.
When I drink and drive recklessly and create mishaps people are likely to get injured or many times, there is a loss of life. So is this what freedom is about?
When I have multiple relationships and I live in gay abandon, there are unwanted pregnancies, neglected babies, and risk of infection. Is this what freedom is all about?
When I refuse to invest my time properly, I will end up old and infirm. Time, being no respecter of anyone, will strip me bare and leave me totally emasculated and emaciated. Is this what freedom is all about?
Yes, I was free to disregard the laws of life that are in place for me to live a successful and fulfilled life. I rebelled against all of them. I drove recklessly. I drank and partied too much. I dawdled away my hours. So basically, I am lying in the bed I made. This is wasting one’s freedom. Freedom must never be taken lightly. So what is the central message?
It is quite simple, but yet most profound. One must prize his privileged freedom. Use this freedom to make proper choices in the area of discipline, time, education and work. Freedom therefore is more than ‘coming out of’; it is ‘moving into.’ So ask yourself: Freedom to do what and with whom?