Sunday, October 9, 2011
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Hi students. So, the title of this post will resonate with all of you. Some people use this founding national idea as a means of justifying all human behaviors (as in, we can use the land as we will, despite environmental consequences, because humans in America have the"right" to pursue happiness). Given the capaciousness (look it up) of this idea, how do we balance this "right" with the rights of "other" people in our communities (think of women, or gay and lesbian Americans, as our readings have encouraged us to do) and with the "rights" (if they exist) of other nonhuman entities (animals, the air, the earth) with whom we share our lives?
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This phrase is one that defines America and its culture. America is a land that people traveled to from all over the world to escape persecution and start a new life. This nation that we live in was built upon principles that say that every man and woman has the right to do as they chose. It doesn't say that there aren't consequences to the choices that they make. In America, every person has the right to chose their religion, their political views, and their way of employment. They can also make many other choices, and they choose to do so no matter how other people look at them. This is the beauty of America, every man has the right to pursue whatever it is that makes him happy as long as it does not cross with the law.
ReplyDeleteLife, libery, and the pursuit of happiness is often used to describe the American lifestyle. This is because Americans have many freedoms and they can do things the way they want to. However, there are some limitations. People are not allowed to do certain things due to the laws we have in America. There are consequences if one breaks the law. Consequences aren't limited to just illegal activites. All choices that one makes are subject to consequences, such as legal, environmental, and social.
ReplyDeleteHumans of all cultures act upon what makes them happy. America simply defined the pursuit of happiness as a right. There are limits placed on this by our laws. Generally it is not okay (and even sometimes illegal) to act in a way so as to harm other humans even if it makes you happy to do so. Animals and the environmental do not have rights, but it is the responsibility of humans to act toward these nonhuman entities in an ethical manner.
ReplyDeleteAmericans all strive for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness but some take for granted what the true meaning of this phrase is. American's have many freedoms and liberties that they think they can do whatever they want. Of course there are laws, that cause limitations but usually not very many that involve the environment or animals. However now they have the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and People for the Ethical Rights of Animals (PETA). These agency or organizations help with the laws that aren't there to protect what needs to be protected because humans in general would not be much without the environment or animals.
ReplyDeleteDespite what many people think, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness doesn't mean anyone can do what they want. They are held in check by laws that the all levels of government create. That in itself is a way to balance the "right." Everyone is entitled to the same amount of basic rights. Technically, animals and the environment don't apply to this right because they aren't human, but they are still protected by humans.
ReplyDeleteLife, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness defines American Culture. We are entitled to our inalienable rights but take for granted the responsibilities they entail. We misuse this definition of American culture by failing to acknowledge the impacts some of our decisions have. We try to balance these rights with laws. Today the concept of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is not entitled to everyone. In most states, homosexuals are not granted marriage rights, but under the constitution don't they have the right to the pursuit of happiness? They too are people and they too deserve all rights. A way to balance rights is too grant people, despite different sexual orientations, gender, or religious beliefs the rights the constitution of our nation grants. The EPA shows protecting the rights of the environment and there are other organizations that do the same for animals. humans themselves affect the balance for right with non-humans.
ReplyDeleteIn America, we have been given many opportunities as well as a comfortable
ReplyDeletelifestyle, for the majority of people. This privilege does in fact get
taken for granted at times, but most Americans realize how blessed they
are to be able to live the maxim of life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness. Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean that Americans
can do whatever they want and live their lives entirely as they please.
There are laws defined by our government and organizations to regulate
areas of specificity, a small sector being areas like wildlife and
environmental safety. Also, there are laws made to help discourage people
from doing harm to one another, whether it is physical or prejudicial.
American people are notorious for feeling that everything is a right. We are limited by laws and the people who enforce those laws. Americans still feel that they deserve rights to anything that could possibly make them happy. The real problem with this is human nature is to always want more. Eventually these wants begin to impede on the rights of other people, as well as other things that are living and dead. The line is thin and the supreme court attempts to dance and decipher the line in cases dealing civil rights and abortion as well as other challenging topics. I do not know where the line is drawn. I feel that in my opinions as a young American person I do not have the knowledge or right to judge what is a right verses what is wanted and believed to be a right.
ReplyDeleteFor Americans to keep this ideal America, there needs to be a set of laws to govern its people. This includes laws that restrict the people, but at the same time, keep its people safe. This is also applied to the land. Such agencies as the EPA and the US Fish and Wildlife (endangered species list) protect the ideal "look" of America.
ReplyDeleteThe argument that one can do whatever one wants as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others is an old one, but still sound. Two men kissing may make me cringe, but it does not affect my rights, and neither does their partnering legally. As for animals and the environment they hold no rights, but it is our duty to use them in a manner that will not deplete them, and end up wiping out the human race. Even organizations like PETA (people for the ethical treatment of animals), look at the treatment of animals, not as much as their rights, as can be seen in their name.
ReplyDeleteLife, libery, and the pursuit of happiness is a phrase that describes America.The misunderstood "pursuit of happiness" does not mean people can do what they want, but are given the choice of profession, education, media, etc. Laws are set to balance and protect the infringement of others' rights as well as their livelyhood. The right of life can also be connected to animals. Organizations help protect animals "rights" , in the animals' case life is the more important right to recognize. Secondly, the treatment of animals can be percieved as their happiness or quality of life.
ReplyDelete