The Freedoms Americans Don't Have This Independence Day | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Freedoms Americans Don't Have This Independence Day

A poetic analysis of what freedom truly means in a divided country.

94
The Freedoms Americans Don't Have This Independence Day

Independence is defined as freedom from the control, influence, aid, or the like, of others but as an American citizen I often question my freedom especially since I'm labeled colored. And no the government doesn't tell us what were allowed to say or wear but its the media and preconceived ideas like how I should do my hair, as if my curls aren't professional within a workplace alongside those with theirs straight, or how me dressing as I please could be an excuse for me getting raped. But we're somehow "America the free" and "the land of the great" but people are scared to death, literally afraid to be themselves in a society filled with hate. But as for me I choose to be free speaking out against prejudice and inequality, because the quality of a black life is often tragedy, forecasting them sunny skies but as a race we are partly cloudy. Yeah dark skies with brown eyes but they love me I'm the truth, cause I'm a quotient of the struggle but I made it (here's the proof). And notice I said quotient cause we're divided as a people and even as a race, don't understand how my kin could hate me when we have the same face but through all this I'm still my brothers keeper no matter how he may treat me. I never stand for division, it's all about the unity. So free yourself from the bounds of society with a quickness, it's 2016 past due to receive your independence!

Wish the world they call freedom will soon someday come, because we speak of these things like we have them or we're just doing it for fun, but I'm not one for entertainment from things that aren't the truth; it's called lies, we are blinded by this first world taboo. Soldiers have even fought and died for this land so that we can sleep peaceful at night but it's not other countries but other American citizens who my conscience fights, disturbed by a hateful look or living in fear of the police, the same people who have sworn to protect us but are exterminating us like fleas. Screaming black lives matter hearing the response that all lives do, but if that was the case then the second statement would have already stood true. And I'm not just standing up for the people who look like me but it's all races taken advantage of by police brutality. Unfortunately It's every seven hours that a life is taken by the feds, them targeting poor whites, Mexicans, and people with dreads? such as my younger brother, stereotyped by the man who has more power than him, the man who was given even more power to target a black man? Yeah they don't broadcast these things but our fourth amendment has a new change, giving a cop no probable reason to search you if pulled over and no longer needing a warrant to search your desk or drawers. So as we continue bragging about our American freedom this fourth of July, ask yourself how free you really are as your money emits sparks in the sky.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

1177838
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

1069990
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

The Importance Of Being A Good Person

An open letter to the good-hearted people.

4286478
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Facebook Comments