Another celebration of the founding of the United States of America has arrived. As always, this is another reflection on the history of this country. This year’s Independence Day comes at a time of rising ethnic tensions, boisterous debates about controversial elections, and increasingly harmful political rhetoric.
A viral video clip showing the murder of George Floyd sparked protests, riots and heated discussions about race in the United States. In recent memory, this Independence Day has more than ever caused some people to question how African Americans should view July 4th. If anything, it means for people with such a complicated history in this country. what.
In fact, although most African-Americans celebrate this holiday, the ghost of American original sin still lurks below the surface. For more than a century, the commemoration of the historical moment when a group of aggressive people chose to take freedom from a cruel and authoritarian government did not apply to everyone living in the colony. This is a fact that is not easy to forget.
Echoes of the abolitionist Frederick Douglas Speech Asked “What is the fourth of July for slaves?” More than 150 years later, it continued to echo. In 1952, when he addressed the audience, he said:
The rich legacy of justice, freedom, prosperity, and independence, left by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. The sunshine that brings you life and healing, brings me streaks and death.This fourth [of] July is yours, not mine.
Throughout the speech, Douglas exposed the conspicuous hypocrisy that allowed this emerging country to continue to deprive black slaves of their freedom, just like its bloody war for white Americans. Despite this, he insisted that although the young America is ostensibly two-faced, black people are still the foundation of the nation’s establishment and construction. He says:
However, if someone asks me what July 4 has to do with people of color, my answer is ready.In this great country, people of color have something to do with almost everything that matters… we have always been with [the white man] In times of peace and war and at any time. We were with him at the hardest moment of the revolution in 1776.
So, as a black American conservative, how can I reconcile these realities?
I realize that the pain and oppression suffered by my ancestors is an inexcusable part of the American story. In addition, I do not deny that black Americans—especially the descendants of slaves—have a unique and complex history, most of which are still influential today.
However, I can also admit that a nation and culture was born from this great evil, and it resolutely opposed everything we suffered. In many cases, we still thrive despite this. We have a strong culture that has influenced the evolution of American society.
As black Americans, we embody the emotions Joseph expressed after facing the evil brother who sold him as a slave:
You intend to hurt me, but God’s intention is for good.
I like to be hacked. I love my culture. I like to be an American. For me, none of these things are mutually exclusive.
It is for this reason that I can celebrate July 4th, although it does not always apply to my ancestors. Like all other countries in ancient times, the United States is guilty. But she has been working hard and struggling to get closer to the ideal she founded.
The Americans fought a fierce war to end the “special system.” When those who wished to use Jim Crow as a workaround for anti-slavery laws, Americans worked hard to crush the system. The process is chaotic and full of frustration. But no sane person can deny that although there is still work to be done, significant progress has been made.
This is why I love America, Warts and all.
Loving America is not about turning a blind eye to her shortcomings, but to do our part to make up for her shortcomings. It is the soul of patriotism to work hard to ensure that this country is closer to fulfilling its founding principles and to resolve the part of her failure to meet the standards. Recognizing this, I can still say “God Bless America”.
