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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Many of us have childhood memories of the Fourth of July.
When I was young, I remember my family lining up outdoor chairs on the grass of our backyard. My grandparents would come over; my dad would be off of work. We all got our blankets and popcorn ready so we could watch the night sky light up with fireworks. We lived in the Los Angeles Valley, where it was terribly hot especially during the month of July. But we still cuddled together eating popcorn in blankets so the family could be all together.
Many of us are huge fans of barbecues.
Who doesn't like barbecuing and watching corn get roasted?
grilled barbecues on black and gray grill
Photo by Evan Wise on Unsplash
Some of us enjoyed throwing fireworks illegally.
I won't mention any names, but I have quit a few friends that throw fireworks illegally with their friends. It is a tradition so many of them don't worry about getting in trouble. They already know of all the sneaky places to go so that they don't get caught.
Some of us live in places where we are never able to see the fireworks in person.
Some of us might live in the middle of the countryside where seeing fireworks is not so accessible.
But it is still a tradition for the family and friends to gather around the television and watch them.
Regardless if we can see the fireworks in person or not, many family have a tradition to crowd in front of the television and watch the fireworks annually together. Though they have seen the same firework display yearly, it never gets old for them.
Sometimes, the Fourth of July gives us a big excuse to go on a date with our significant other.
Who doesn't love dates? And if there is already a place where you know has a good firework display, you don't have to do much planning.
Plus, who doesn't like an excuse to cuddle and watch fireworks?
Cuddling is great. Take advantage of this day.
fireworks display
Photo by Jingda Chen on Unsplash
The Fourth of July is also a good excuse to make plans with friends.
This is a perfect day to eliminate that summer boredom and hang out with friends. And if you claim to not have any friends, make them quickly.
Therefore, you must all take advantage of the Fourth of July as an excuse to spend time with loved ones or just see a great firework display. This holiday is only once a year, so go have some fun.
1. Margaret Brent (1600-1699)
Beginning our survey of influential Americans in history is Margaret Brent, the first woman to go to court to possess land of her own. Brent, an early American feminist, pursued the rights granted to her by her colony, and through her determination, ensured its survival. She is hailed as a human rights activist, doing all she could to ensure women's sovereignty over their land.
2. Phyllis Wheatley (1753-1784)
Phyllis Wheatley's work often appears in surveys of both British and American literature, and for good reason: she is hailed as the first significant black poet in the United States. Her work, contemporaneous with the onset of the American Revolution, exemplified her intellect and talent. By means of poetry, Wheatley defied the expectations forced on her as a former slave at a time when civil rights was far from the minds of the nation's leaders.
3. Sacajawea (1787-1812)
We learned her name in our elementary school classrooms, but the influence of Sacajawea helped turn our nation into the monolith it is today. Alongside her husband and infant son, Sacajawea was the only woman to accompany travelers on their quest across the nation. Serving as an interpreter, Sacajawea became a valuable asset to the exploration of America.
4. Dorothea Dix (1802-1887)
Mental health and prison reform are both hot topics in social justice today, but they would not be without the dedicated work of Civil War-era nurse, Dorothea Dix. Dix developed new ideas as to how to treat those serving as inmates in asylums and other mental institutions, and even volunteered her services during the Civil War. Her work in social reform ensured that those suffering from ailments of the brain and mind were given as much attention and care as those suffering from ailments of the body.
5. Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896)
The Civil War was the deadliest war in American history, resulting in over 600,000 casualties over the course of its duration. However, as gruesome as it was, the Civil War challenged our perception of morality, and became the first real point on the path to civil rights, and that is thanks to novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe. Her novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin", exposed the harsh realities of slavery, and it is believed that the public outcry that erupted from the novel's horrors stoked the flames that would become the Civil War.
6. Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906)
Another familiar name from our history classes, Susan B. Anthony is no stranger to the minds of the American people. However, the maxims of her crusade ring true even today, despite the actualization of what she fought to achieve. Anthony is hailed as one of the key figures in the women's suffrage movement, fighting for women to have the right to vote. An abolitionist, activist, writer, Anthony spearheaded a nationwide revolution.
7. Ellen Swallow Richards (1842-1911)
For all the ladies studying science, you have Ellen Swallow Richards to thank. Richards, after aiding as a teaching assistant and a teacher herself, became the first woman to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Studying chemistry and other sciences, Richards is known for helping women nationwide realize the potential they possess academically, particularly within the scientific community.
8. Daisy Gatson Bates (1914-1999)
A true social justice activist, Daisy Gatson Bates' works of protest against racism and segregation contributed significantly to the Civil Rights era we know today. One of the most significant moments of her career as an activist was that of challenging segregation following the Supreme Court decisions of 1954, resulting in Bates' creation of the Little Rock Nine. Bates' work and strategies forced the nation to understand the realities of racism, and ensured the desegregation of much of the nation.
9. Jacqueline Cochran (1906-1980)
During what is often known as the golden age of American history, Jacqueline Cochran defied the sexist stereotypes at the time by being both a cosmetics queen and champion pilot. Cochran, after achieving her aviation license on a whim, later used her determination to ensure the enlistment of female pilots in the Allied Forces during World War Two. Not only did she challenge the stereotypes of her male-dominated industry, but she remains as the most decorated pilot in aviation history, having accomplished such feats as breaking the speed of sound and winning countless awards.
10. Virginia Hall (1906-1982)
Also shattering expectations during World War Two was Virginia Hall, one of the most accomplished spies in American history. After dreams of being a diplomat were crushed following a hunting accident and the subsequent amputation of her left leg, Hall soon found herself becoming one of the Axis Powers most wanted for espionage. She traveled throughout Europe, making allies in places like brothels and convents, and transferring intelligence to the Allies. Her bravery and stealth helped contribute to the Allied victory in World War Two, her efforts as daring as any man's.
Who's your new favorite historical woman?
Taylor Hawk
1. Influenced my fashion sense.
I specifically remember begging my grandma to sew me a dress like the one Barbie wore in "Barbie in the Nutcracker".
2. Sparked my creativity.
I was inspired to tap into my creative side after seeing Barbie's painting skills in "Barbie as Rapunzel". She was so talented that her paintings were literally magical.
3. Inspired me to take ballet lessons.
Ballet was a common theme in Barbie's movies. So, I had my parents sign me up for ballet classes. These lessons continued for more than a decade, so thanks, Barbie!
4. ...And equestrian classes.
I wanted to ride a horse as well as Barbie rode a pegasus in "Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus". But these lessons did not last as long. I quit in two weeks after being bucked off a pony. So thanks a lot for the false hope, Barbie.
5. Made me believe it was normal to sing at any given time.
I guess breaking into song in the middle of a supermarket when you're a naive six year old is not seen as acceptable. So thank you for the delusions, Barbie.
6. Challenged my ambition.
If Barbie could be a painter, ballerina and princess, then why couldn't I?
7. Showed me how to be compassionate.
Barbie was always kind to others and always managed to save the day.
8. Demonstrated the importance of friendship.
Barbie and her friends were the original squad goals.
9. ...And the importance of animal companionship.
Barbie always had an animal sidekick. I now apologize to my cat for pinning crowns on her and dancing around the living room while pretending to be in "Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper".
10. Affected my parents' purchases.
These purchases included costumes, coloring books, crowns, castles, and even a life size "Barbie in the Nutcracker" doll. 90 percent of my Christmas and birthday lists were Barbie-affiliated gifts.
11. Taught me how to be classy.
Barbie is hands down one of the classiest ladies out there, no argument needed.
12. Secured my belief in true love.
Can you say power couple?
13. Warned me to not trust men with funny hair and/or eyebrows.
This advice has served me well throughout my 18 years.
My childhood would not have been the same without Barbie movies. I owe a lot to her.
So, who wants to join me in a Barbie movie marathon?
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