The other day, I sat around the dinner table with my family "celebrating" the Fourth of July. We had gone swimming, eaten hot dogs and heard some of our neighbors setting off fireworks in their backyard. It was a celebration by the books.

I started talking with my Aunt after dinner about the article that I was going to write about the Fourth of July being a questionable holiday considering all of the things going on in our country. The conversation we had really changed my perspective on some things, I think for the better.

My original article was going to be about all of the reasons we shouldn't be celebrating, such as the internment camps in Texas, our disgusting administration, and the rights of LGBTQ+ people and women slowly being taken away from them, just to name a few. While my Aunt agreed with me on some level, she brought a different perspective to the table. While all of the things I just stated are true, are they a reason to not see your family and have a BBQ? Her point: why does it have to be one or the other?

I've seen a lot of posts on social media saying that dissent is patriotic and I agree, wholeheartedly. However, while you're forming and holding those opinions and trying to strive for change in our country, I think it might also be okay to watch fireworks or go in the pool. It's important to remember all of the problems that we have as a country and to acknowledge the privilege that you may have as an American, and yet also recognize that not all Americans hold that same privilege, while watching a fireworks show.

Whether you feel like it can only be one or the other, or that it can be both, take those opinions that you've formed and do something with them. Protest for a cause you believe in, call your local government, volunteer at Planned Parenthood. To have an opinion is only the first step.

I personally think it's possible to do both: spend time with your family on the Fourth of July, yet be informed, knowledgeable, ready and willing to take action for what is right.