If we had to choose, what would we prefer, freedom or safety? It is a difficult choice. Most of us want both. However, our answer might depend on our experiences and our history. If we have had to fight for our rights, freedom is most dear. Safety might be more important if we have experienced injury or alternatively, enjoyed many privileges. In either case, freedom might be less important than being safe.
A noted psychologist, Abraham Maslow indicated that safety is critical before we can develop into more self-actualized beings. However, he may not have understood the world view of individuals who have been enslaved, either physically or figuratively. Freedom is so important for refugees, that many compromise safety for liberty and independence. It is also possible that individuals want to protect what they have and will sacrifice core freedoms such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to assemble, freedom of religious thought, or freedom to petition the government when aggrieved.
It creates an interesting challenge for individuals who are in conflict. Sometimes, the distance between people seems insurmountable. For progress to be made, it is critical for us to understand the context of our perceptions. With that knowledge, we can begin to build respect for differences. We can also help people come together to resolve conflict and find peace. However, often it takes time, willingness to listen, and courage to face our fears of what could be lost.
