Independence for Whom?

Today is Independence Day in the United States. I say this as an American who is in her last few weeks in Brazil. After a year of having lived abroad, I can safely say that I appreciate many things about American culture and being American than I ever have in my life stateside. I also can say, without a doubt, that I speak more critically of certain elements of American culture ™ having seen it at play in another country and being disturbed by its affects (intentional and unintentional), some of them being the destruction of another language, the devaluing of one’s own culture for the sake of adapting to American norms (transmitted via tv shows, films, and music) and holding oneself to a different standard as a result of external cultural influences.

When I was younger, I used to take issue with Independence Day, my nascent race-related activism sort of rearing its head early on. I’d think, is America really mine? My ancestors were forced to come here against their will and when America gained their independence from Britain, my ancestors were not free in the least, nor were they considered Americans, much less humans. So the holiday, despite all the fireworks and fun, was hard for me to stomach.

Now, speaking as an adult, and an adult who has a little bit more appreciation for her culture as an American, my mind has changed a bit. I still take issue with America’s past of course, there’s no questioning that. However, as someone who has lived her entire life in the United States, being American is part of who I am. And part of that American-ness is founded in the laws, ideas, and ways of life instituted by my constitutional forefathers, even if they would rather people who look like me exist only as their personal property.

It’s a part of our history I have to accept as there is no way to go back in time and change it. It’s also a part of my history I have to appreciate for what it is. Without these ugly bits of our past, we may not have been able to progress into something better. Certain people were made to sacrifice and I am a beneficiary of such pain, suffering, and struggle for freedom.

Happy Birthday, America.