How is it that one little six-letter word could be so complicated. Everyone in this world strives to achieve a state of normalcy in his or her life. It is what our society is based upon, the desire or need to be normal. But who decides what is normal? Do the glamorous actors, rich politicians, or the wealthy sports stars decide what we as a society define normal to be. It is so hard growing up in a culture that “wants people to be individuals” yet isolates and desecrates anyone that has enough guts to take a stand and go against the “normal” pattern of life. I sit here and ponder how a country that is supposed to be the “land of the free” can be so entrenched in its beliefs that what is good for one group of people should be good for everyone. To me being free means that I am able to make my own decisions, my own choices, and have my own beliefs (as long as I don’t try to force them unto other people) without being persecuted or ridiculed for the choices I make. Yes I love my country, but I think it is time that we start living up to our reputation of “The land of the free”.