why i hate independence day
So glad it’s over.
My 5 yr old asked why we shoot off fireworks on the 4th of July. I told him we celebrate our nation’s birthday by celebrating what we love about America. Looking back, I realize that was a bad answer. Or maybe all too accurate.
Let’s Celebrate!
Two-hour-long traveling billboard advertisements throwing gobs of candy into the streets for kids to fight over; carnivals with expensive rides and unhealthy food; crowds in traffic jams competing to get to a field to sit on their asses the longest so they can be closer to the shows where they’ll enjoy NOT nature or fresh air but gaudy, loud, smokey explosions of the same stuff they use for war that terrifies animals and risks the limb even of professionals; locals and kids making a game of crime by hiding from police so they can buy and shoot off illegal fireworks.
Ah. America.
I don’t hate Independence Day. I hate the way we celebrate the triumph and sacrifice that gave it to us. I especially hate what our celebrating is teaching my kids. They now look forward to the local “parade” (i.e. cars rolling by with local business’s signs on them, owners waving) every year because they want to fill a bag with candy thrown into the street. I’m going to start a homeschool unit on the American Revolution before next summer!
My DH calls me a holiday scrooge. Maybe a little. The only bonus is that, like most holidays, it’s also about family, and that is certainly a part of America I can believe in. Even if my family happens to love those gaudy, loud, smokey displays of war-like explosives.
HAPPY ADVENT. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. - St Francis
I think fireworks should only be sold to professionals and they should not be set off in the neighborhood streets.It is too dangerous and scares the crap out of the pets ! Guess I am a scrooge too when it comes to playing with fire !