With how divisive our country has been over the last few years, it may be hard for us to take the time to slow down and celebrate the positive aspects of our country. The 4th of July is a perfect time to remind ourselves that we should be grateful to be American.
But every year, there are many leftists who speak out before the 4th of July and argue that we should not celebrate the country’s independence. They will cite income inequality, police brutality, racism… basically anything they can think of to convince people to be ashamed of our country rather than grateful.
The one argument that is constantly mentioned is the country’s history of slavery. But I offer this rebuttal: the founding of this country should be celebrated by black Americans, not condemned.
Our Declaration of Independence was the initial framework of our country. At the time it was written, black Americans did not have the rights that the document promised. But the Declaration was actually the most beneficial thing for racial equality. It’s why the great civil rights leaders of our past would use the document to support their argument.
Frederick Douglas, in his speech “What to the Slave is the 4th of July” uses the Declaration of Independence to point out America’s hypocrisy. He doesn’t say that America is a horrible country. Rather, he argues that America is a GREAT country that isn’t being held up to its own standards, the Declaration along with the Constitution are self-perfecting documents. The Declaration explicitly stated that “all men are created equal” but this was not being justly applied to all men. Now, thanks to those great leaders who called America out for its hypocrisy, America has become a free society for everyone.
Yes, our country’s history is filled with slavery, segregation, and racism. But to celebrate the 4th of July is also to celebrate Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr. and all other great black leaders of this country’s past. Black history is American history.
The actions of our founding fathers resulted in the most prosperous and free country in the world. America is a beacon of freedom, and the American Dream is still very much alive. As native-born citizens, we take this for granted. But remember how many immigrants come to this country every year, some risking their lives just for the freedom of opportunity this country offers.
I know that there is a lot of political tension right now, but there is one thing that brings us all together regardless of sex, race, or sexual orientation: we are all American. So take a minute on July 4th and appreciate this great country we have the privilege of living in. Smile at your neighbor, say hi to someone on the street, and spend time with your family. Enjoy and appreciate the freedoms that this country gives us.
