Yesterday, I felt conflicted all day. Due to my growing insights into activism, I have become so clearly aware of the lack of freedom that we have; as women, LGBTQ+ people, disabled, and people of color. We are not free. I woke up yesterday morning feeling that I have no right to celebrate. It's become so clear in the past few months since November that much of our country is more discriminatory than I noticed in the past.
In November, discrimination, misogyny, inequality, and racism won.
On July 4, discrimination, misogyny, inequality, and racism was still present.
I don't want to speak for anybody else, but I do know that every 4th of July, I feel more vulnerable. I carry myself differently, I hide myself more, and I feel more endangered than I usually do, because for many people, I've found that patriotism is synonymous to violence.
I don't know how to feel patriotic anymore. I used to adore the 4th of July, and this year, I couldn't get into the mood of it all, because I just kept thinking of everything that has made people feel unsafe these past few months. The shootings, the murders, the bombings of Planned Parenthoods. And sure, it's amazing that we're fighting for what's right, but on a patriotic day, it's hard to feel that patriotism when I know of all of the bad things in America right now.
I wanted to allow myself some fun, however. I've been working every day of every week for the whole summer, so I deserved a night of fireworks and fun with my friends. So I tried to turn off my political, activist mind, and have a good time with my friends. I posted a tweet on my professional twitter, talked to my friend Katherine Deruyck about the day (who's thoughts are below), and committed myself to writing this blog post, but it's very important to know when to turn it off and just have a good time. (Also, shout out to my friend Katherine Deruyck. She's going to change the world, so follow her if you can!)
It's a hard fight to have and to know when to turn it off and on, especially because the majority of being a public speaker and activist comes from my phone, which is always in my pocket. It was really hard to turn it off, but it's important to. As much as I love what I do, friendships and time with people you adore is so much more important. Turning it off last night was so important for my mental health, but on the other hand, I think it's so important to not become naive to this country, and to this government.
Now the 4th is over though, and the fight is continuing; and stronger than ever, because we deserve a 4th of July, too.
In November, discrimination, misogyny, inequality, and racism won.
On July 4, discrimination, misogyny, inequality, and racism was still present.
I don't want to speak for anybody else, but I do know that every 4th of July, I feel more vulnerable. I carry myself differently, I hide myself more, and I feel more endangered than I usually do, because for many people, I've found that patriotism is synonymous to violence.
I don't know how to feel patriotic anymore. I used to adore the 4th of July, and this year, I couldn't get into the mood of it all, because I just kept thinking of everything that has made people feel unsafe these past few months. The shootings, the murders, the bombings of Planned Parenthoods. And sure, it's amazing that we're fighting for what's right, but on a patriotic day, it's hard to feel that patriotism when I know of all of the bad things in America right now.
I wanted to allow myself some fun, however. I've been working every day of every week for the whole summer, so I deserved a night of fireworks and fun with my friends. So I tried to turn off my political, activist mind, and have a good time with my friends. I posted a tweet on my professional twitter, talked to my friend Katherine Deruyck about the day (who's thoughts are below), and committed myself to writing this blog post, but it's very important to know when to turn it off and just have a good time. (Also, shout out to my friend Katherine Deruyck. She's going to change the world, so follow her if you can!)
It's a hard fight to have and to know when to turn it off and on, especially because the majority of being a public speaker and activist comes from my phone, which is always in my pocket. It was really hard to turn it off, but it's important to. As much as I love what I do, friendships and time with people you adore is so much more important. Turning it off last night was so important for my mental health, but on the other hand, I think it's so important to not become naive to this country, and to this government.
Now the 4th is over though, and the fight is continuing; and stronger than ever, because we deserve a 4th of July, too.
Comments