Finding the balance between order and freedom is basically impossible and extremely subjective. With too much of either, there will always be chaos. Without proper implementation of order and rules, the country would be a mad house for obvious reasons. With so many rules that the concepts of freedom and individuality are destroyed, the same result would occur. In either case, a tragic result is inevitable. In my opinion, the perfect balance between order and freedom is not and will never be struck. It can be improved, yes, but never truly “perfect”.
For a very simple example, take into account the implementation of metal detectors at certain Chicago high schools. This is a very touchy matter and has strong arguments for both sides. One person may argue that it’s a complete violation of the individual’s privacy. Say you walked through with a metal fork in your lunch box. Now security is searching all of your belongings and rummaging through your personal items which, to many people, would make them feel uncomfortable and oppressed by “too much order.” On the other hand, certain people may argue that if you’re a good person, you should have no problem walking through those machines and that their sole purpose is to keep students and faculty safe. So in a situation such as this, it’s clear that either way there’s always going to be someone upset.
While this is just a simple small scaled example, it shows the controversy that will continue to exist between order and freedom. So while something as minor as a metal detectors in schools can evoke controversy, it’s hard to imagine the eruptions that take place around other, more important issues like police brutality or certain details of the right to freedom of speech. And because this controversy and difference of opinion and ideals exists, the correct and perfect balance between order and freedom can never truly be obtained. No matter what laws change or what anyone may do, someone will always be unhappy, and because of this, the system can never really be perfect.
I agree with your argument. The break between order and freedom starts with smaller things like your example of medal detectors. I think this break starts becoming a serious issue with your example of police brutality and grows larger from there. Its very difficult to decide on what is morally right when there are so many different opinions
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