Beyond Hypocrisy: July 4th as a Call to Reimagine America

Frederick Douglass’ full quote is, “notwithstanding the dark picture I have this day presented, of the state of the nation, I do not despair of this country. There are forces in operation which must inevitably work the downfall of slavery. "The arm of the Lord is not shortened," and the doom of slavery is certain. I, therefore, leave off where I began, with hope.”

As we prepare to celebrate July 4th, it is crucial to confront the glaring contradictions that lie beneath the surface of this revered holiday. The dark underbelly of America's history has the anti-Christlike legacies of colonization, slavery, Jim Crow, mass incarceration, and military expansionism that are each a grave injustice to the values our origin story claims; independence, liberty, equality, and democracy.

Yes, July 4th commemorates the birth of a nation, but we must not forget that the violent displacement and erasure of Indigenous peoples, called savages in our constitution, including my ancestors, marked this birth. The celebration of independence is a stark contradiction when we acknowledge that the United States was built upon the theft of Native lands, broken treaties, and cultural genocide. Remembering this painful history challenges us to question the authenticity of the freedom being celebrated.

While the Declaration of Independence proclaimed that "all men are created equal," the institution of slavery persisted, exposing the hypocrisy within the very foundations of the nation. On July 4th, it is essential to reflect on the millions of enslaved African Americans, once considered 3/5ths human, who were denied the freedoms being championed. Slavery remains a scar on America's conscience, an original sin, a stark reminder of the vast chasm between lofty ideals and the brutal reality endured by millions.

Even after the abolition of slavery, America continued to perpetuate racial discrimination through the era of Jim Crow. On this day of celebration, we must acknowledge the immense struggles faced by African Americans in their continued fight for civil rights and equality. The legacy of Jim Crow serves as a poignant reminder that true freedom and justice have been elusive for marginalized communities for far too long.

As we wave the flag on July 4th, we cannot ignore the insidious system of mass incarceration that disproportionately targets and perpetuates the disenfranchisement of Black and Brown communities. The United States, with its alarmingly high incarceration rates, raises questions about the fairness and equity of the justice system. It forces us to grapple with the contradiction of celebrating freedom while locking away a significant portion of the population.

While Independence Day embodies the American spirit, it is crucial to acknowledge the historical and ongoing consequences of military expansionism. From interventions in foreign lands to excessive defense spending, America's pursuit of global power has often come at the expense of other nations' sovereignty and human lives as well as our own impoverishment. The celebration of freedom rings hollow when confronted with the sobering reality of military aggression and imperialism.

As we commemorate July 4th, let us not gloss over the inconvenient truths that mar America's past and present. To truly honor the principles of freedom and justice, we must confront the hypocrisy that has stained our nation's history. It calls for honest dialogue, education, and a commitment to dismantling systemic injustices. July 4th can catalyze reflection, growth, and a collective effort to create a more inclusive and just society. Will we let it be a catalyst for a better America, or will we succumb to pressure to deny the truth to support our fabled origin stories?

July 4th demands that we confront America's hypocrisy head-on, recognizing the contradictions between the nation's ideals and the harsh realities of colonization, slavery, Jim Crow, mass incarceration, and military expansionism. Acknowledging these truths, we step closer to a more honest and compassionate society, where freedom and justice are lofty aspirations and tangible realities for all.

Let us embrace the spirit of July 4th by working toward a future that lives up to the promise of America, not the current reality.