Democracy necessarily implies the suppression of some individual interests for the good of society as a whole.

Democracy necessarily implies the suppression of some individual interests for the good of society as a whole.

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The purpose of a democracy is to give a voice for the people and the government serves to satisfy the needs of the people. In short a democracy is made by the people for the people. Democracy has often been equated with freedom where people have the right to make their own choices. However others view democracy as a decision making entity made by a majority that restricts freedoms. A democracy can not be truly free but there needs to be a balance between enforcing rules and giving the rights to freedom of speech for the good of society. 

First consider a situation where a democracy does not suppress individual interests or rights for the good of the people. The US is very popular in that it gives an opportunity for many minorities to have a voice and place in society amongst the majority. The Bill of Rights is a fundamental US document that outlines the freedoms that are given to all individuals in the United States, and especially guarantees rights to minorities. During the times of peace and civil order democracy serves in the best interest of the people and good of society. A prime example of this is freedom of religion and language. Although the majority of the US is of European and Caucasian descent, Christianity and English are two common themes present in daily life. However, not all people fall into this category. In the ever changing world through globalization and immigration, cultural diffusion has made the majority of the people more aware that everyone is unique. Under the democracy, it is forbidden to discriminate someone by their race, skin color, religion or sexuality. After the atrocities of World War II and Hitler’s inhumanity to Jews and other ethnic groups, many industrialized countries have adopted a zero tolerance policy on discrimination to promote diversity in the community. Anti-semitic or racial comments are not accepted under the Bill of rights because it harms others. Therefore this is an example where democracy protects individual rights for the good of society as a whole.

However there are instances where democracy suppresses individual interests or rights for the good of society. In times of civil distress or disorder it may be necessary for a democratic government to suppress individual rights. After the 9-11 attacks on US soil, the government as well as citizens were emotionally devastated and in shock of the attacks. Families of victims sought justice for the terrorists responsible for such atrocities. Under this time of disorder, panic and general pandemonium in US transportation and daily life the government tries to quell the anxiety of society by reassuring everything was going to be alright. The Bush Administration took some swift steps to tighten national security in an effort to prevent attacks of similar magnitude in the future. Most security in the post 9-11 era involves suppression of privacy for the common good of society. For example, the TSA and Department of Homeland Security have issued mandatory security  checkpoints of baggage and passengers. The full body pat downs, ful body scanners, removal of shoes, belts,  surrendering of laptops and other hand held devices have become common place in many airports in the US and abroad. This is an example of where individual rights to privacy are sacrificed for a short time for the good of the people to maintain safety and security.

In conclusion, it is circumstantial when democracy will suppress individual rights and when it will. In times of peace and prosperity the government will make every effort to maintain individual rights for the good of society. However, in times of hardship and insecurity such as a terrorist threat, many nations tend to suppress individual rights by issuing security checkpoints to prevent future terrorist attacks. Therefore in times of hardship, the government tends to suppress individual rights and interests for the good of society as a whole.