Why “Celebrate” July 4th? It seems with all the controversies going on in the United States, and movements such as “F—k the fourth” the meaning behind July 4th may fading be away.

The History of the Fourth of July

July 4th is much more than just fireworks, barbecue, and baseball. Let’s take a quick look back in the history of this momentous day. “On July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies claimed their independence from Great Britain, an event that eventually led to the formation of the United States. “ (Military.com).

Modern Conflict

July 4th is a celebration of the creation of the United States, but why do movements such as “F—k the court” seek to taint the holiday under a negative connotation? The recent overturn of “RoeVsWade” has sparked plenty of controversy regarding women’s rights. Abortion is being portrayed as banned, but abortion has actually been passed to the states to delegate. Due to this, there has been connection made between July 4th and abortion.

How do the two relate? It’s hard to find a strong connection between the celebration of this nation, and the overturning of RoeVsWade. The two events are on complete different spectrums of American history. Yet, why is it reviving so much attention?

There has been a growing rise in political polarization between the republican and democratic parties in the U.S. Since the Obama administration, it seems American citizens and politicians alike began to decline in civility regarding discussion of differences. The peak instability between the two parties began with the Trump administration. But why?

The Media and Politics

It’s no secret that the media plays a huge role in the lives of people, nations, and the globe. Media influences, reports, attracts, and reacts. But why has media contributed to political polarization over the years? It’s common knowledge that Media has biases, if you were to ask what party does CNN align with, you’d get a majority answering “Democrat.” Similarly, if the same question was asked about Fox News, the majority would probably answer “Republican.”

Why is this the case? The freedom of the press was meant to report on stories and events to bring knowledge to the people. The best way this can be done, is arguably, through an unbiased perspective. Nowadays, which major news agencies, or corporations could you say are unbiased? It’s hard to say for sure.

Humans are inherently biased, but thankfully, they do seek knowledge and growth. However, extreme biases, as history has shown, always bring about conflict. Unfortunately, conflict is common place modern media and America. Republican vs Democratic, religion vs religion, nation vs nation, these differences weren’t meant to divide, but represent, so that all may be represented equal.

Divided and Confused

So it seems America is divided and confused. Theres a new issues or drama everyday. Something or someone, is always bringing one against the others throat. In return, Americans are feeling divided. One side, “republican” seeks uniformity and traditon, the other “democratic” seeks change and question.” But are these differences a bad thing as portrayed in the media? On the contrary, they appear to be, what some would call a, “Ying and Yang.” Ying and Yang are opposites, that are vital for the balance and coexistence of law, order and nature etc. In doing so, their opposites serve to ultimately compliment and benefit one another.

So why isn’t this happening in America? Every Society needs uniformity and to hold onto traditions. The same society also needs to seek change and questions rules. But when discussions and a direct democratic process fails to protect the balance of both it creates destruction.

July 4th is Vital in Decreasing Divide

Let’s take a look on why the colonist sought independence first. “The colonists were a melting pot of not only English, Irish and Scottish peoples, but also people from elsewhere in Europe and beyond. In many colonial communities, people spoke their native languages, adhered to the customs of their countries of origin, and practiced their own faiths.” (Military.com).

The important thing to note, is that the colonists were a “melting pot” of people. They were many different groups, of cultures, race, and religion, who had one thing uncommon, they all had to swear loyalty to a King they did not want to swear loyalty to. They were mistreated and not represented. So the colonist began to settle their, cultural, religious, and political differences aside, and came together in search of freedom.

“The famous preamble to the Declaration of Independence reads: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that we among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

A Nation Created on Differences

It must be understood, that July 4th is a holiday meant to remember, a historic moment when people of all different backgrounds came together to create equality and a nation meant to harbor all people fleeing tyranny. Arguably, the equality isn’t perfect. It has taken time to come about fully, and is no where near complete. However, we must understand July 4th stands as a day to remember how we America made the first step towards equality, and under a unity of differences , Americans, created a nation.

By George Leonard

10: 46 PM Chicago Time, 7/3/2022

References: U.S. Census Bureau, Smithsonian Institution, University of Central Florida, Bellevue University, National Park Service, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission