"Westerns" usually claim with a smiley face that they are free... that in their countries there is freedom of choice and that this is definetly the way to go! Sure, I won't disagree that there is some degree of "flexibility" in the western world regarding some matters like politics, religion, etc. However, I wouldn't call that Freedom.
Most of humans live in society and from my point of view what makes Freedom impossible is society itself. Society is structured upon a somewhat organized system of rules that is widely accepted within that group of individuals. Bare in mind that these rules are not necessarily written as laws but are reinforced by social pressure. These rules dictate what is consider (at the moment) right or wrong. If you choose the wrong path you will be judged and socially discriminated for that.
On the other hand, true Freedom is only possible through the inexistence of any kind of rule. In this way, individuals would be able to fully express their will... and of course this would include all types of antisocial behaviours (killing, raping, etc). As judgement may affect free human behaviour, in a trully free world people would'nt be judged for antisocial behaviours but only accepted by others as different. If freedom really existed you would give a chance to your child to choose from joining school or staying home and play around with his friends. In a trully free world, people wouldn't need to give up of any of their dreams and desires... Respect for others wouldn't be possible and for all those reasons Love wouldn't be possible either.
Wrapping up, my believe is that Freedom is a western utopia... We live in society and therefore we need to respect each other. Thus, rules are needed to some extent wether you like it or not.
Total freedom is only possible through loneliness and isolation from society. I doubt you want to be that free...
P.S. - The idea of this post came out from a loooong conversation with a friend. Thanks J.
