Freedom

 Freedom by Jonathan Franzen is a big book.  Simple.  Ha!😏  If  only it were simple.  Freedom is about our damn free will.  We live in and through the Berglund family.  Franzen's characterization is exquisite.  You know these characters.  You love them; you root for them; you shake them; you hold your breath until you put the book down to breathe.  

Part of the story is told through Patty.  We begin with her college years and are introduced to her parents and all the other characters through Patty.  Like everybody, she has problems and fails.  She makes poor decisions, but Patty tries.  Actually, everyone tries.  Franzen ties his story lines together towards completion very satisfactorily.  I wish Bobby found his way home, but Franzen didn't think that was necessary.  Bobby will be fine.

My one criticism of the story was that there was too much sex.  Joey and Connie copulate throughout the novel from middle school through adulthood.  And Franzen's descriptions of scatological details will make you gag. But you still won't put the book down.

In fact, everyone is having sex.  But in Franzen's world it's just natural.  It's not pornography; it is necessary for the story.  No way could I say he should have left it out.  The sex enfleshed the plot.  But being an old fogey, I just wished it weren't necessary. 

Jesus Set Us Free

I thought it quite apropos that July 4th fell on a Sunday, this year.  What better way to celebrate freedom, than worshiping the One who set us free. The month of July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Jesus shed his blood to free us from sin.  This is the freedom that gives us peace.  Peace being the correct order of life, what's important, orientating the world towards God.


Also at Mass this morning, we recalled our brave soldiers who shed their blood for us, fighting for a different kind of freedom.  A freedom from oppressors, and fighting to keep that freedom.  We celebrate with parades and fireworks to proclaim our Independence.


Both types of freedom were hard fought.  Both types of freedom involve sacrifice.  Both types of freedom are celebrated on this day, Sunday, July 4, 2010.

Changhun's Definition

Finally, we had a chance to discuss "Freedom" in class. I posted about why in my Feb.25 post. We were talking about "dress codes." Changhun had said that he was surprised that in a free country, you couldn't choose to dress like you want.

His expectation bothered me and I wanted to discuss it. But the classes just never seen to go in that direction. Tonight the opportunity arose and we discussed what "Freedom meant."

I was surprised that Changhun laced his speech with "discipline," and "responsibility." He thought that "freedom" was the right to do what we should do, not whatever you feel like. Your freedom is bounded by laws.

The best example was "food." We are free to eat what we want. But is what we want good for you? To be healthy we must choose foods that are healthy. This was something we all could relate to.

Of course, to me, I think "freedom" is God given, and not something imposed on others by selfish people wanting to impose their will on others.

Freedom

In preparing a lesson plan for Changhun, I remembered something he said previously, that I've always intended to revisit. We were discussing clothing. Changhun said he was surprised that in a free country, we have dress codes for certain jobs and schools.

Well, we're discussing "freedom," tomorrow. I wish I could explain that complying with God's Will is freedom. That it is freedom from worldly desires that is freeing. But I know Haeyeun won't tolerate much talk about God and religion. So I can't use that angle.

I plan to partner off to brainstorm ideas, to get him started. Changhun and Haeyeun can jibber jabber in Korean and English. After a bit, we'll have a round table discussion and try to define "Freedom."

It's not that easy. I googled "Freedom" and read many opinions. One thing freedom isn't, is the right to do whatever whim enters your head. This was considered by many as "License." Freedom isn't a license to do whatever. Freedom means choosing responsibly. You can't have the freedom to hurt others, never mind kill them, as the pro-abortion people propose. So how many define freedom is really "license."

After awhile, I saw that "Freedom" needed to be defined according to societal freedom, personal freedom, and freedom within. "Freedom within" is interesting. Your mind can be free inside prison. No one can get inside you. Then the opposite, you can be very free (not incarcerated) and indulging yourself in whatever selfish wish you desire, and find yourself isolated and barren.

What good is freedom, if you've made choices that have alienated those you love?
As the song "Bobby McGee" says, "Freedom's just another word, for nothing left to lose..."
And the song "Desperado" ..."And freedom, ohh freedom.
Well that's just some people talking.
Your prison is walking through this world all alone."

How will Changhun define "Freedom?'

...to be continued.