As we all celebrate the Fourth of July by having barbecues, picnics, family reunions and outings to watch fireworks displays, it is also a good time to reflect upon the true meaning of the holiday.
Most of us know that the actual name of the holiday is Independence Day, the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted thereby freeing the residents of the thirteen colonies from the tyranny of British rule.
This was the true birth of what we now call the United States of America. In a way, everyone who has inhabited the shores of America since the original Independence Day has ultimately benefited. Whether Native American, white, African American, Latino, Asian Pacific Islander or anything in between, each one of us has been positively affected by what has become our great nation.
Sure our nation has had its problems; the whole conquering of the Native Americans, slavery, homophobia, the proliferation of guns, as well as the inequality of women, to name a few.
In today’s society, you do not have to look far to see the societal horrors that occur in many other countries that make our problems seem trivial by comparison. Imagine awakening to a civil war in the streets every day, or not having drinking water or any medical care. You could live in a country with a caste system or one that doesn’t allow girls to be educated or one that kills people for being homosexual. Those who live in America have won the societal lottery and the Fourth of July is the day we celebrate that fact.
Sure there are other nations, like Canada and Australia, which come close to what the United States offers, but the concept of American exceptionalism is based upon our commitment to the freedoms outlined in our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These freedoms make America the beautiful from sea to shining sea.
The United States continues to evolve as a nation of immigrants because so many across the globe want to live here. Potential immigrants believe that the United States will allow them to pursue their economic dreams, as well as experience true personal freedom. That is why America has one of the most diverse populations on the planet and it promises to get even more diverse for the foreseeable future. “Give me your tired, your poor. Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” Lady Liberty lifts her lamp to shine a path to the golden door that opens into the foyer of America.
So as you gather with friends and relatives to enjoy our great city on this Independence Day, take time out to celebrate the birth of our nation and all of the wonderful benefits you are afforded living here. If only for a moment, reflect on the bounty that is America.
STAMPP CORBIN
PUBLISHER
San Diego LGBT Weekly
