When I was younger, the Fourth of July was a time where the family came from out of town to cook, converse, and watch fireworks. It meant for me a day that you could purchase electronics for cheap via 'Fourth of July ' sales. I only understood the superficial definition, and could only take the holiday at face value. It did not have any meaning to me until I grew older. As I grew older I began to realize one thing, that most people who celebrate this holiday do not understand the meaning behind it. The Fourth of July has turned into a commercial holiday that advertises excessive drinking, reckless behavior and it has completely disregarded the idea of what the Fourth of July actually is, a celebration of our independence from, Britain, the …show more content…
The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate American pride and to be patriotic but, the country that we live in is nothing like the country the founding fathers intended. An article written about the modern Fourth says, “Our founding fathers are rolling over in their graves...every year as summer rolls around, we bring out the beer coolers, march like robots in cheesy parades, and light off fireworks...to celebrate the American dream that is now buried with Thomas Jefferson and the rest of the Continental Congress.” This quote really cements the idea that the meaning of the Fourth of July has changed and has tarnished what that moment in history was supposed to …show more content…
Immigration in this country has become a controversial topic that is rampant with racism. Now immigrants who come to America are forced to work in occupations that leave no room for growth and they also have to face a lot of discrimination. Dulce Pinzon, a photographer, explains this concept in her picture essay, The Real Story of Superheroes. She has taken a series of pictures of immigrants in superhero costumes working minimum wage jobs to support their family, despite their financial difficulty they still work hard. “The Mexican immigrant worker in New York is a perfect example of the hero who has gone unnoticed. It is common for a Mexican worker in New York to work extraordinary hours in extreme conditions for very low wages which are saved at the great cost and sacrifice and sent to families and communities in Mexico who rely on them to survive” (511). We celebrate a country that has advertised itself as a country that is a “melting pot” of culture yet reject those who come to us willing to work. The Fourth should be a day for us to remember our roots and where our country was made
In his book, “…And the Earth Did Not Devour Him,” author Tomás Rivera documents through a fictional non-traditional novel, the life experiences of a child that endured many difficulties, he describes the hope, struggles, and tragedies of the Mexican-American migrant workers in the 40s and 50s, and how they travel from home to work to survive. The book’s focus is in Texas, although other areas are mentioned throughout the United States. Divided into 14 different short stories and 13 vignettes the author records the predicament of the Mexican-American migrant workers in Texas and explains how the migrants had to overcome constant discriminatory actions by the White Americans and endure difficult living situations because of poverty as well as unsatisfactory job
July 4th of 1776 is arguably the most significant day in American history. On this day, the thirteen British colonies won their independence from Great Britain, their mother country at the time. The war that allowed the colonies to gain their independence was, of course, the American Revolution. One reason the colonists’ declaration of independence was understandable was because after an extended period of salutary neglect, the British started imposing laws on the colonies. Another reason was that the British violated colonists’ rights by implementing the Proclamation of 1763. A third and final reason the colonies were correct in breaking away from Great Britain was that although the colonists were not represented in British Parliament, Great Britain still taxed them. The thirteen British colonies were absolutely justified in seceding from Great Britain because the British started to enforce laws after a long period of salutary neglect, they violated the colonists’ rights by passing the Proclamation of 1763, and the colonies were required to pay taxes even though they were not represented in Parliament.
We celebrate holidays like Victoria day and many people don’t even realize the reason why they don’t have to show up for work on this statutory holiday. Victoria day had begun in 1845 under the reign of Queen Victoria, it was really a celebration of her birthday. During her monarchy she had been the longest ruler to date and when she passed in 1901 the Canadian government officially recognized May 24 as a nation holiday called Victoria Day. During her time ruling people celebrated the day in many of the same ways we do today including camping, fireworks and parades, what really made this special though was the fact that it united Canada between the French and English Canadians. During this time monarchy separated Canadians from Americans and support for a monarchy meant protection of minority rights, so pledging allegiance to the crown through a holiday was a very rare common ground that both French and English citizens could enjoy. It is unfortunate that most people have grown accustomed to the holiday without taking the time to understand and appreciate the actual reason for the celebration. Victoria day is much more than just celebrating the birthday of a famous monarch it was paying respect to the longest running monarch in England of 63 years and uniting a feuding people. Some people may argue that if no one knows what we are commemorating than maybe we should just put an end to it. For me this
These two dates will always bring shame and heartbreak to the country, but when we look back on it, we find a little positivity grown from it. Each time a devastating incident occurs, we jump right back up, come together as a country to fight back. Our devotion to the country has yet to waiver. That is definitely the overlying fact between each of the pivotal events of the 21st century.
It was the 4th of July in 1776 when delegates from all thirteen colonies assembled at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Not knowing the full significance of what was about to take place that day,the delegates would do something that would forever change the course of the American people.
The dissenting opinion to the previous idea is that the government's legitimate interest in preserving the symbolic value of the flag is, however, essentially the same that may have motivated a particular act of flag burning. The flag uniquely symbolizes the ideas of liberty, equality, and tolerance -- ideas that Americans have passionately defended and debated throughout our history. The flag embodies the spirit of our national commitment to those ideals. To the world, the flag is our promise that we will continue to strive for these ideals. To us, the flag is a reminder both that the struggle for li...
Every year on the Fourth of July, we celebrate America's independence. We celebrate the day our forefather, a group of patriotic and unwavering men signed a Declaration of Independence. This document declared the thirteen colonies independence from Great Britain. This was the day the United States of America became a nation.
Throughout the course of my life, I have always encountered individuals wanting to better their economic situation especially those within my community. Those who come from impoverished communities in other countries risk their lives and lifetime savings to come to the United States hoping that one day they will regain everything that they lost. Their only motivation to come to this country is to be able to provide their family with basic necessities and in order to do this, they must work two or more jobs that pay at minimum wage and are taken for granted. However, many individuals do not see this side of the story and categorize immigrants as unambitious people. In order to be completely aware of what immigrants truly go through and how they succeed in life, one must be willing to place themselves in their shoes and hear his/her story. We must acknowledge that the hands of these people work in back breaking jobs in order to sustain their families. While some Americans may be against immigrants arriving to the United States in search of a better life and the American Dream, in The Madonnas of Echo Park, Brando Skyhorse further reveals that immigrants are exploited as cheap labor, and although they contribute greatly to the everyday function of American industry, they are quite invisible.
July 4th is celebrated annually, when we commonly see red, white, and blue. This can be figured as patriotism! American’s celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. Some sit by a fire and others enjoy by watching fireworks. The flag is celebrated and is a symbol for freedom.
was now an independent country, the Constitution laid out guidelines and rules on how the country should run or work. 1-The Declaration of Independence is only a statement that proclaims that the 13 colonies were independent states and no longer under British rule. 2-The Constitution is the basis of the U.S. government and is the supreme law of the land. 3-Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, and it was then edited by the Continental Congress, which unanimously adopted it on July 4, 1776. As a result, this is why We American citizens celebrate Independence Day on July 4. 4-The Constitution was written in 1787 by a convention of all the states which was called for the purpose of recommending changes in the old government. The Constitution, after getting approval from the states, came into effect in 1789. Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptist was written in 1802 and must also be read in context of his declaration in the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom that “Almighty God hath created the mind free….” In reiterating the question of this assignment “What do you think the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution thought about the separation of church and state or about the separation of God from government?” The “wall of separation” exists to affirm natural rights, including those of faith and religious worship. This separation does
Baca asks “Do they come on horses with rifles, and say, ese gringo, gimme’ your job?” (3) The answer is no; for the most part Mexican immigrants take jobs that many Americans don’t want. Most people that cross the border do so to provide for their family, or to have a better life. As a result, they take jobs that pay them pretty much nothing. He later states that Americans should actually look at the bigger picture. Mexicans need the jobs to feed and provide for their children. Baca’s use of imagery, and symbolism paint the picture of American hypocrisy on Mexicans taking away American jobs. Baca mocks the racist commentary made by Americans to help the reader rethink the situation to show how ludicrous this misconception is.
In both “The Fourth of July” and “Black Men and Public Space” the narrators did one very important thing; they expressed how the encounter made the narrator feel. This is crucial because it almost allows the reader to share the feeling of helplessness that was felt. In “The Fourth of July”, Lorde explained how she truly did not understand why the family was treated differently. She tells of her parents’ fruitless effort to shield their children from the harsh realities of Jim Crow by planning out virtually the whole trip. The highlight of the story is when the narrator expresses both anger and confusion at the fact that her family was denied seated service at an ice cream parlor because they were black.
"Immigrants and the American Dream." Society 33.n1 (Nov-Dec 1995):3(3). Expanded Academic ASAP. Thomson Gale University. 26 Sep. 2006.
Mexican immigrants are misjudged for coming to the Unites States illegally and stealing jobs from American citizens. In the poem “So Mexicans Are Taking Jobs from Americans”, Jimmy Santiago Baca discusses the mistreatment that Americans have of immigrants and then explains the reality of the situation. Baca uses imagery, symbolism, diction, and tone to argue about the prejudices that Americans have of Mexican immigrants.
Holidays are not taken off unless widely observed by man because who would not want to earn extra money or get out of school earlier in the year. Holidays were constructed by our nation’s history including the many great events and people in it. Holidays were meant to instill civic pride, pride in your city, to unite everyone together to ensure nobody was excluded. Holidays are meant to recognize the struggles and achievements of our society. Some people interpret situations differently. For example, some people look at Columbus Day as a day to mourn because they are upset with the past. In other instances, others rejoice because they are glad the past is moved on and over with so better things can happen. Everyone has different morals towards this idea because one thing is not going to satisfy all. A failure could be an achievement to one and vice versa. Mourning of people such as holidays like Veterans Day and Labor Day. Columbus founded a chunk of land that will once be the most immense, important, and lasting of all. Here is to the original Americans for shaping the world and adapting to it for the future ones. October 12th is also known as “Discovery Day” to countries in the