“Happy Independence Day!”
You may have heard this well-intentioned phrase once or twice yesterday on this glorified American holiday. You may have seen your local grocery store selling fireworks, your favorite retail store promoting holiday sales, and red, white and blue displayed everywhere you turn. This country affectionally associates the Fourth of July with the United States of America winning freedom from Great Britain, and although we use this holiday to recognize a momentous occasion in our nation’s history, it still does not represent freedom nor independence for many.
As I sit here enjoying this day off, preparing to indulge in the food and relaxation associated with this celebration (because, let’s be honest, I can enjoy the day off), I can’t help but reflect on the true meaning of this day. I can’t help but acknowledge that in 1776, this nation became free, but all people did not.
I can’t help but acknowledge that in 1776, this nation became free, but all people did not. #IndependenceDay Click To TweetThere were entire races of people who were not free, even after this country declared its independence (see previous post on Juneteenth). This lack of true freedom in the United States of America has transcended the dimension of race throughout our history and into the present day, with the privilege of true freedom remaining reserved for only a few.
By truly free, I don’t simply mean the capacity to not be owned or enslaved. Rather, I mean the ability to walk in your truth without fear of judgement or negative impact of any kind from those who do not agree with or understand that truth. Freedom may still feel elusive to those individuals who do not identify with normative practices and characterization that are perpetuated in our society. Freedom may still feel out of reach to those who do not have the privilege of living without minimizing a part (or multiple parts) of their identities.
Movements such as #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #FamiliesBelongTogether are all clear examples of identity groups experiencing a lack of equity, and a lack of freedom, and choosing to voice their opinions around that disparity in an effort to create change. In most recent news, the current administration enforced a policy in which children were separated from their loved ones at the border of Mexico and detained. This is a prime example of freedom being stripped away. So, while we are enjoying time with friends and family, let us also recognize that freedom for all is seemingly becoming less attainable.
I urge you to consider what it would look like if everyone you came across was able to enjoy the freedoms and independence that the separation from Great Britain was intended to signify. If you feel as though you are currently able to actively celebrate this day because the identities you hold are in fact celebrated and affirmed by U.S. norms, I would urge you to consider it a privilege and determine how you can use this privilege to create a difference.
During a conversation with my youngest sister today she noted, “There’s so much going on in America. Why are we celebrating it?” This is a question I think we all can ponder and then work toward actionable, sustainable change for a brighter holiday in the years to come.
Consider what it would look like if everyone you came across was able to enjoy the freedoms and independence that the separation from Great Britain was intended to signify. Until then, what are we celebrating? #IndependenceDay Click To Tweet
“If you feel as though you are currently able to actively celebrate this day because the identities you hold are in fact celebrated and affirmed by U.S. norms, I would urge you to consider it a privilege and determine how you can use this privilege to create a difference” I hope that those people who really feel the urge to celebrate despite the political climate that’s going on would KEEP THAT SAME ENERGY to do something for those who can’t bask in the ambience of true ‘Freedom’ am