"This fourth of July is yours, not mine." A paradox of the most fabulous kind. A national holiday that isn't celebrated by all it's residents. In the 1800s, slaves were the residents who didn't hold the Fourth of July in very high regard. In fact, the celebration of independence from England only served to remind the slaves that they themselves have not yet obtained freedom. Their rejection of July Fourth as a day of festivities was a result of their struggle to try and win their own independence.
It's now the 21st century. A time of heightened nationalism, Uncle Sam is working harder than ever to keep his stuff on his land and other stuff outta his land. People value their privacy and freedom more and more as technology breaks down barriers between what one person can find out about another. Fourth of July celebrations are increasing in size and becoming highly anticipated events. Even whole cities host firework shows, all to celebrate independence from England. Yet even among such widespread festivities, there are still those who don't really do a lot of celebrating (like my family).
Don't get me wrong, fireworks are fun to watch and tasty food is nice but that's about all July 4th is to me. I don't feel particularly patriotic to America. As an ABC (American Born Chinese), I'm not quite sure which world power I should be cheering for. To me, America is just that one place that I live in, not my homeland that I'll spill my blood to defend.
No comments:
Post a Comment