Under the idea of the social contract people are/were willing to give up a degree of freedom for the general good and protection of society. However, my view of independence and freedom have been impacted and its meaning is less “rose colored” recognizing how civil rights have been limited by propaganda efforts of some in society to impose their views, belief, and judgment on others. So I find that “independence” is and individual freedoms are malleable and change depending on who is leading and not all who are being led on part of the nation are free and equal.