Fahrenheit 451 ~ A New Perspective: 'Freedom vs. Society'

The Declaration of Independence is one of the greatest pieces of media in American history. In the document, America proudly claims their independence from Great Britain. After 176 years of pain, perseverance, battles, and blood, America announced its freedom, however on the other hand, in Fahrenheit 451, there is a society in which nothing is free, socially accepted, or allowed. This is anarchy which in the end causes the main city to crumble to pieces from a nuclear bomb. Control, perseverance, and intrepidation is what we have to achieve as a society which isn’t an anarchy, but a group of rules we all follow to live in peace. These rules show what the Declaration of Independence’s influence is on who we are and what we hold accountable for our actions.
    The Declaration Of Independence asserts that all individuals are endowed with certain guaranteed rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” (Jefferson 1).
Global media should similarly prioritize the promotion of human rights, acting as a watchdog against injustices and crime. Even though a perfect global society is near impossible, media outlets need to play a crucial role in exposing human right violations, advocating for justice, and fostering a global environment that respects the dignity and rights of every individual. However, in Fahrenheit 451, rights are barely valued and aren’t taken seriously. After school, children “go out in the cars and race on the streets, trying to see how close you can get to lampposts, playing ‘chicken’ and ‘knock hubcaps’” (Bradbury 27). This is one of many examples of young teenagers putting one of their friend’s lives in danger. If society accepts this, civilization is on the verge of falling apart just like how the city at the novel’s conclusion “looks like a heap of baking powder” (Bradbury 155). This was caused because of a bomb detonated on the city when it was in the hands of anarchy.
    The Declaration of Independence could be a catalyst for new awakening critical thoughts and sparking a sense of rebellion among the citizens. Its emphasis on the fundamental rights every individual has directly contradicts the government of Fahrenheit 451’s suppression of knowledge and independent thinking. The document has become a symbol of resistance, a reminder of the values that should be inherent to a free society. By clandestinely sharing or preserving copies of the Declaration, individuals in Fahrenheit 451 can find a source of inspiration to question authority, challenge the status quo, and strive for a society where intellectual freedom is embraced. For example, in Fahrenheit 451, was Mildred living a sustainable life by having walls of television, overdose of drugs, and a husband who is dealing with a life or death situation? The answer is simply no, because everything that is going on in her life has affected her in a negative way, resulting in Mildred leaving the realms of reality and entering into a world of anarchy and chaos.
    Even though I don’t read the Declaration of Independence often, it remains a special part of who I am for two distinct reasons. Firstly, the Declaration of Independence is specific to America of which I am a proud citizen. Secondly, the document represents who I am; bold, strong, confident no matter what. The Declaration of Independence proves to be a timeless and invaluable document, resonating with significance across historical, philosophical, and social contexts. Its role in shaping the foundation of the United States and its enduring impact on democratic principles and individual rights positions it as a guiding force in American history. Beyond its national importance, the Declaration serves as a symbol of resistance and inspiration, especially in dystopian scenarios such as Fahrenheit 451. In such oppressive environments, the Declaration of Independence becomes a powerful tool not just for Americans but for anyone to draw inspiration from because challenging authority and advocating are mere fundamental rights for what every individual is entitled to have and it is to never be transmuted.