Self-Ownership
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The Issue of Self-Ownership
'Self-ownership' is a fundamental concept in discussions involving human rights and personal freedom. It means embracing every weird facet of your personality, from the inexplicable love for pineapple on pizza to the uncanny ability to attract only the most awkward of social encounters. (Guilty.)
In contemporary American culture, the concept of self-ownership revolves around the differences between the concepts of "property" and of "boundaries".
"The road unwinds towards me, what was there is gone. The road unwinds before me and I go riding on."
"Property" is defined as something owned or belonging to someone, like land or personal possessions, and they tend to have strictly defined legal limitations regarding their control and use. On the other hand, "boundaries" are defined as a real or imagined lines that mark the edge or limit of something and are often vaguely defined and are usually perceived as more malleable regarding their control and use.
"Driven in, driven to the edge. Driven out on the thin end of the wedge. Driven off by things I've never seen. Driven on by the road to somewhere I've never been."
Let's take a look at what each political party has to say about self-ownership.
Republicans on Self-Ownership
"The only measure of success is how well you fulfill the expectations of others."
Republicans don't have a view specific to self ownership, but based on my own views of this area, their primary focus seems to align more closely to individual liberty, promoting personal responsibility, and empowering individuals to make the choices that shape their lives for the better. However, "better" is a subjective word so the idea of "better how?" largely depends on the person to whom that individual is comparing themselves against (because it's always a comparison).
"Driven up and down in circles, skidding down a road of black ice. Staring in and out storm windows, driven to a fool's paradise."
The larger issue for Republicans seems to be the internal dialogue when the CEO (who is you) is angry with the accountant (who is also you) because the corporate budget (otherwise known as "your personal bank account") always seems to fluctuate between "splurge on gadgets" and "panic about bills." It's a delicate art, like balancing a hedgehog on a unicycle - difficult, potentially hazardous, and likely to end in someone getting stuck.
Democrats on Self-Ownership
"… so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom." - Alexis de Toqueville
Democrats also don't seem to have a view specific to self ownership but, again, based on my views in this area, their view of self ownership seems to focus on individual rights and autonomy, but only within a framework that also values collective responsibility, social justice, and government intervention to promote equality and protect vulnerable populations. It places a stronger emphasis on social and economic policies that aim to address systemic inequalities and promote a more inclusive society.
"Driven day and night in circles, spinning like a whirlwind of leaves. Stealing in and out back alleys, driven to another den of thieves."
The larger issue for Democrats seems to be the personal responsibilities that come with self ownership, like remembering to feed yourself something other than instant ramen, attempting feats of physical prowess like yoga (or, as I like to call it, "organized falling"), and trying not to accidentally embarrass yourself at family gatherings by reenacting those dance moves from that one 90's music video.
Libertarians on Self-Ownership
"You have exclusive control over your mind and body. No one can live your life better than you."
Libertarians essentially look at the topic of self-ownership as one of "personal boundaries" implying that you have the right (and responsibility) to make decisions about your own body and life without external interference; that you are the ultimate authority over yourself, your labor, your talents, and even your own "moral space". In practical terms, self-ownership means that you have the right to determine how you use your body as long as your actions do not harm anyone else (thus taking away their right to live their life as they see fit).
"It's my turn to drive, but it's my turn to drive."
The larger issue with Libertarians is their constant negotiation between the "adult" and the "inner child". For instance, the "adult" wants to wake up early, hit the gym, and eat a balanced breakfast. The "inner child" wants to binge-watch Netflix until 3 a.m., survive on a diet of cookies, and wear mismatched socks to a really important meeting just for the thrill of it.
But personal freedom implies personal responsibility. Because you own yourself, you are ultimately responsible for your own well-being. Sure, that sounds like a blissful spa day with scented candles and cucumber eye masks, but it's more about remembering to drink water (who knew hydration would be so important?), occasionally putting on pants (or not, if you work from home), and resisting the urge to Google your symptoms at 3 a.m. until you finally succeed at diagnosing yourself with the Bubonic Plague.
"Self-ownership as 'boundaries'" is setting our own limits on what we allow ourselves to do (and to have done) to or for ourselves, but as a legal individual, no one (including the government) is obligated to feed you, clothe you, or provide you with health care.
"Driven to the margin of error, driven to the edge of control, driven to the margin of terror, driven to the edge of a deep, dark hole."
So, fellow self-owners, buckle up and enjoy the journey because life is too short to take yourself too seriously. Embrace the chaos, dance like no one is watching (well, except your cat who is always judging you from the couch), and never forget to cherish the wonderfully weird person you've become - because owning yourself is the greatest adventure of all.