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A New View of Independence Day As I Age

As a child, I loved the 4th of July. Between family barbecues to my parents having time off to spend with my brother and I, to of course, fireworks, the 4th of July was my favorite holiday outside of Halloween and Christmas. As is often the case, however, the more I've aged, the more my viewpoints about the major holidays have changed, none more so than the 4th of July or Independence Day.

Over the past 5 to 10 years, I've noticed an increasing number of children and pets being frightened by the loud sounds of fireworks. Not only that, I've grown bored of the repetitive nature of fireworks displays. Honestly, if you've seen one, you've pretty much seen them all. Worst of all, though, is a question which constantly rings in my mind all throughout these holiday festivities: "What does Independence Day truly mean anymore?"

On July 4th, 300 million+ Americans celebrate their independence. But what about illegal immigrants and DREAMers who could be deported back to their home lands any day now? What about Muslims who could be temporarily banned from re-entering this country? What about blacks who have been beaten or killed by police officers? What about women who aren't allowed to have abortions after being the victims of rape? What about Natives, who essentially had their land stolen, which prompted our country into being what it is? Do they ultimately feel the same pride in being Americans? Do the flags and fireworks not symbolize to them what they symbolize to most? How would us white Americans, especially males, feel if we were in any of the before-mentioned groups' shoes?

In a land where children are being separated from their families; where some are being barred due to their religious affiliation; where others are being beaten or discriminated against due to their skin color, we'd be fools to believe we're the ultimate exemplar of freedom, and I can't help but wonder what Natives feel when we celebrate this holiday, as they think in the back of their minds, "They stole the land from us, kicked us to the curb, and are now saying it's their country and they're ultimately free." From this day forward, I vow to, every year, use July 4th as a call to fight for the equality of all, as opposed to turning a blind eye to such inequities. It's at that point and that point only when I'll feel full pride in my country, for we can clamor that our country is the freest nation in the world as much as we'd like, but if a single person doesn't possess said freedom, none of us are safe from having it stripped from us.

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