So, today is the 4th of July, otherwise known here in the US as Independence Day and is a well-celebrated "Holiday." There are so many things to say about this particular holiday especially as a black person, but first let's focus on the nature of a "holiday" in our culture. These are just my opinions and observations by the way, and at this point not backed up by statistical data.
Each year there are approximately 11 paid with time off public holidays according to Wikipedia (which is an interesting read if you have nothing else to do. To me, information such as this is fascinating). Actually, there are lots of other holidays as well such as festival, food, Halloween, and Valentine's Day, but public holidays are considered the "big ones" and most people make a tremendous deal over these for various reasons.
Are holidays meaningful? This question comes up as I examine what the actions are that people perform, and what feelings are conjured up that seem to be needing to be expressed. The ideas of decorating, buying gifts, sending greetings, phone calls, text messages, outdoor or indoor activities that include fireworks and lots of food are typical. I hope these are centered in LOVE.
But does the holiday really hold any intrinsic value other than what is programmed into our minds all of our lives? I think not for many of them. What are all of these traditions and where did they come from? When I think back, my family spent my childhood years following the mainstream ideas of holidays, without ever thinking about why the holiday was created and who it didn't really include. For example, Columbus Day and Thanksgiving are not really cause for great celebration for Native Americans. Same as today's Independence Day because in 1776 when the "Declaration of Independence" was signed, may blacks were still slaves.
But many people, blacks and others cruise along celebrating and rejoicing for this so-called liberation but it may not even apply to them and the people they supposedly care for.
My point is that we have been programmed by our culture through media to want and love these holidays but nobody realizes the hypnotism. And in general, I believe that more than anything else it is about keeping people spending money on all of the particulars that are included in each of these celebratory events worldwide.
All week as I have been driving on the highway, there are highway traffic signs that are reminding everyone that they should have "baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie on 4th of July, and to have a sober ride." I get that about wanting to remind folks to be safe. Unfortunately, the subliminal message is what I think most people miss. People get the images in their minds of what to eat and watch on TV from this sign and connect it to what they should be doing. Then they want to do that and get others to do the same.
Nothing is wrong is baseball, hot dogs (well, that is up for grabs) and apple pie, but would you really want that on your own??? Do you even know? Can anyone really think for themselves at this point? I'm not trying to take away anyone's fun, but I hope to expand awareness while you are having it by inviting you to think about what the day is really about and why you are doing what you are doing.
My motto: Put a crowbar under every belief. Question everything.