Individual Autonomy

Individual Autonomy The Merriam -- Webster's Dictionary defines "autonomy" as "the quality or state of being independent, free, and self-directing, independence from the .. whole, the right of self-government," and lists as a synonym, "self-reliance" (Autonomy pp). The dictionary defines "Individual" as a "single human .. existing as a distinct entity, separate" (Individual pp).

The Declaration of Independence begins by stating the colonies' position on autonomy, saying that at times it is necessary to dissolve connection with another, "and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them" (Declaration pp).

The Founding Fathers then went on to justify their separation by listing truths of self-evidence, "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" (Declaration pp). The United States was founded on autonomy of the country as a whole and on individual autonomy for its citizens. And Americans take these "unalienable rights" very seriously.

Americans believe they have a right to tend to their own affairs and to express their own opinions without interference. Americans enjoy freedoms that do not exist in other parts of the world, where often religion and culture dictates the rules of acceptability in society.

And it is true that Americans may marry whom they choose, seek careers of their choice, live where they want, buy whatever they can afford, and express their opinions pretty much anytime anywhere, however, some could argue that perhaps individual autonomy is slipping away and being replaced by group autonomy. At times it seems as if special interest groups are dictating to society what is good and what is bad, what is acceptable and what is taboo.

Not long ago, doctors actually advertised cigarettes, today however cigarette smokers are practically grouped in with heroin users and children are taught to shriek in fear. Public smoking is taboo, and there are some city ordinances that will not even allow an individual to smoke outside his or her own house, they can only smoke inside their home. Yet, often the same people who admonish smoking are driving gas guzzling SUV's. Then there is the issue of seat belts.

No one can argue with the fact that seat belts do help save lives and prevent serious injuries in automobile crashes, but should it be a law, punishable by fines or worse, if an individual chooses to not to wear one. Parents can actually be charged with child endangerment and forced to fight for their parental rights if they do not have their child fastened in a proper child restraint seat.

Yet, practically every school bus in the country operates without seat belts, thus millions of children are on the rode everyday with being strapped in any type of seat belt. Then there is the dilemma concerning prayer in schools. Those who want prayer in schools verses those who do not. Those who want "their" prayers recited school.