COVID-19: A Prime Example of Individual Versus Community Freedom

Written 5/21/2020

One of the largest controversies facing our country right now is the debate over appropriate precautions against COVID-19. Considering the complicated and widespread nature of a global pandemic, a group effort is required to battle it. However, no one seems to be on the same page. As many approaches have been tried and tested by different states, the public have voiced their opinions on what they see as necessary or overkill, as well as constitutional or unconstitutional.

In the article “Whose Freedom Counts?”[1] By Dahlia Lithwick, she summarizes common arguments made towards reopening states and businesses. She describes an overall attitude seen in lockdown protestors that freedom is “an excuse to serve one’s self before others and a shield to hide from responsibility”. People believe that by their liberties declared in the constitution, lockdown efforts are unethical – and even that efforts to contain and stop the spread of the virus are tyrannical.

On the other hand, Lithwick argues that the reason this controversy is so divided is because it involves the uncomplimentary aspects of individual freedom and community freedom. Those who focus on stopping the spread at all costs focus on community freedom stand by wearing a mask to protect those around you in case you are infected, even though it might be inconvenient. Those who focus on individual freedom don’t feel comfortable being required to wear a mask, believing that decision should be up to them. Lithwick validates the concerns of tyranny arising from the situation, but overall takes the stand that sacrificing others’ health and well-being to support one’s personal independence may be the less ethical route. Considering the fact that the Founding Fathers created the country as a free community, I feel that they would believe that the morality of respecting others’ health and well being is incredibly important.

[1] Lithwick, D. (2020, May 7). What the Anti-Lockdown Protesters Don't Get About Their Favorite Two Words, "Freedom" and "Liberty". Retrieved from https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/05/freedom-liberty-hierarchy.html