Freedom vs. Safety: What Do People Value More?

  American social critic H.L. Mencken's quote, "The average man does not want to be free. He simply wants to be safe," immediately creates tension regarding what he means and its applicability. It is evident that individuals value freedom, the act of having no restrictions, and being able to do what they want on their own will. Yet, the same can be said regarding individuals and their safety; knowing that they are away from danger and have immediate protection is another thing. However, when reflecting on contemporary society, it is evident that one may value the idea of freedom, but safety proves to be more logical as seen through African Americans in American society, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrates that safety proves to be more beneficial.7

          Mencken's quote is greatly relevant in the context of the United States and the treatment of African Americans. For instance, after the United States emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the 19th century, they were granted freedom, finally being able to break away from slave owners and the harsh conditions of plantation work. Despite that, African Americans living in the North and South were met with acts of violence, discrimination, and lacked necessities.  This demonstrates that even when granted freedom, African Americans did not benefit from the act as their lives were in danger, and they had difficulties navigating through life. For many, it was safer to follow similar routes, accept low-paying jobs, or even remain closer to their communities rather than risk standing up against oppression. Nevertheless, this strongly proves that it was the act of being safe that truly mattered, because in this case, being considered "free" did not make life any less hard for them. Even when freedom was offered, it came with risks that many were not willing to take, showing how deeply humans prioritize security over liberty when danger is present.

          More recently, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic further relates to Mencken's statement; specifically, when governments around the world imposed restrictions to protect public health. People were asked to stay indoors, and a nationwide lockdown occurred --- individuals were not allowed to see their families, their friends, or participate in daily and regular activies like before. Despite being so extreme, people listened; not because they wanted to give up their basic civil liberties and rights, but because they wanted to be secured and out of harm's reach. Even when asked to follow unorthodox standards such as contact tracing, restrictions on items, and vaccine mandates, it was accepted by many people because they feared the virus, showing that in times of real danger, people are willing to trade freedom for the comfort of protection.

         Through these significant events, H.L Mencken's quote "The average man does not want to be free. He simply wants to be safe" applies in contemporary society to a remarkable extent, as when forced to choose, safety becomes the more immediate and compelling priority, as being free did not offer the best solution when heading towards danger.