I am a human before I am an American.

As the Fourth of July approaches, and red, white, and blue litter all the store windows and streets, announcing the mass push of patriotism, I am left feeling a little less supportive of the festivities.

This is not because I am not proud to be an American, because I am. This is because this year I have realized that there are so many people in the world who are suffering because they were not born in a place that dignifies them with basic human rights.

This is not an article on American politics, although I have plenty to say about that.

This is an article about American privilege, and the idea that it is important to use that privilege to better the lives of people who weren't born with it. As the holiday approaches, Americans want to relish in their pride. But if we stopped turning a blind eye to the horrors of the world, I think we would all find it a little harder to sing out the national anthem this year with our usual gusto.

Thirty-six people died in an attack in an Istanbul airport on Tuesday. Once again, terror invaded a public space as another unpredicted act of violence unfolded. And again, I am reminded that if nothing else, we are all connected by the fact that violence can affect any of us.

I am left feeling a little less patriotic when the only thing I can count on to unite us is tragedy.

We must always stand in solidarity with countries that are affected by violent attacks, because the only difference between them and us is that today it wasn't us who were being targeted.

I am tired of people dying.

Dying because we allow hatred and oppression to be more valuable than equality and acceptance. Dying because we allow the value of a human life to be adjustable, or somehow changeable -- or less valuable because of where you are from.

I am tired of people dying from conflict that is avoidable.

As Americans, we have the ability to use our power to vote for policy changes, and to make sure that change is prioritized. We can use our privilege to help those who cannot help themselves. I have witnessed the most beautiful moments right after a tragedy happens, when the entire nation stands together to drown out hatred with support and empathy. There are times when a country divided has the ability to stand united. I just don’t understand why it takes such great tragedy for us to remember how impactful it is when we all stand together.

I am so grateful that I was born in this country, and I am thankful for all those who came before me and ensured that my independence and freedom would not be threatened. I am thankful for those who gave up their quality of life so mine could be saved -- but I do not understand why we aren’t willing to do the same thing for other people in this day and age.

Being American should be about doing everything you can to make sure every single individual is safe and healthy. I am a human being interested in helping increase the quality of living for all other human beings -- not just Americans. I refuse to be complacent when the nation I reside in refuses to be on the right side of history.

I hope we all take a second to appreciate this day, and be grateful for the things that we have because we are American, but also to recognize the things that others do not have because they are not.

I hope this holiday serves as a reminder that it is our duty to ensure that everyone has independence to celebrate, and that when something tragic happens to one nation, this nation will always try and be a pillar of support.