Since 1776 America's skies have been painted with fireworks, backyards are filled with red, white and blue decorations and matching attire while the smell of a wood-fire grill permanents the air. Independence Day affectionately called the Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate because it's an entire day filled with pure American bliss *almost*. For that night a group of people are unified and proud of this country's history and its fight for independence. It's the perfect holiday for capitalism, patriotism, and everything else in between. On this day you can find any given American belt out Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The USA" while coming close to spilling chili on his-or-her Old Navy tee. The Fourth of July is a national holiday that is designed, like many others, to make you feel as though you've escaped your reality.
Fast forward less than a week from that day --- brief Utopian bliss is long gone and that reality has shot us in the back (at least a half of dozen times) by public servants who are sworn to protect and serve their fellow citizens. Like several other teenagers in this country watching the news and scrolling through various timelines, my heart continues to break piece by piece as these senseless acts of violence continue. Police brutality and gun violence (sadly) isn't anything new to me or to America. After recent events, I feel as if excuses have ran their course. Enough is enough. A conversation about these acts of terror needs to take place were both sides of the argument are able to be heard.
Last night I was scrolling through Facebook and I saw a YouTube video where the host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, spoke about the consecutive police and civilian shootings that have taken place across the country. As I said earlier, police shootings aren't new to this country and therefore several campaigns, movements, and videos have been created in response to fight for equality. The most popular one is the Black Lives Matter movement, who along with the NAACP and several others, are on the front lines of fighting back against the repeat acts of police brutality.
But this video in particular inspired me to write this piece because Trevor highlighted a unique stance where he is pro-black and pro-police. I absolutely support the fight for racial equality in this country and during my 18-year lifetime, I've been able to see some great strides in that direction. Yet it seems as though our country takes one step forward and two steps back. In America, there is such a board range of people from their race, gender, sexuality, and life experiences that makes Fourth of July so exciting. With a wide spectrum of people in like manner there is a wide spectrum of people who are key leaders with powerful voices that represent their community's perspective. The first amendment of the United States' Constitution grants us the right to five priceless freedoms: Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, and Speech.
With the prevalent presence of social media in the world, each and every person for the first time in history has been given a platform to freely speak about whatever strikes their fancy. For me as an Odyssey writer, I share my thoughts on a range of topics weekly with however many readers. For Trevor, he is a host of a well-known political satire cable television show where his message reaches millions of people week after week. Trevor represents a viewpoint on this ongoing issue that I feel many don't discuss. Like Trevor, I support the Black Lives Matter movement and I want every race in this country to walk around without fear. On the other hand, police officers are people who protect us from danger day-to-day. A police officer generates an average income of only $52,810 annually (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment) while voluntarily putting their lives at risk for civilians. If you haven't watch Trevor's video here's a link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP0awqth0XI
Before and after watching this video, I've seen countless others tackle this difficult subject. Nonetheless, I liked how Trevor used comedy and other well-known rivalries to explain how this issue is a nationwide problem that affects each and every one of us. An important message delivered with comedy becomes more appetizing for the masses to receive since it lessens the fear of walking on egg shells.
Granted, I don't have a cable television show or a Super PAC but I do have a voice and a life that matters. You do too. Together we can start making a real difference by going to the following websites:
1. Contacting The Congress
Reach out to your local congressman or woman and talk to them about police brutality and your ideas for a positive change.
http://www.contactingthecongress.org/
2. Black Lives Matter
A network and board movement that is determined to end institutionalized racism in systemic practices across this country.
3. American Civil Liberties Union
A non-profit organization created in 1920 that fights for individual rights. This link will take you to their police abuse community action manual as well as their overall website that tackles various injustices America currently faces.
https://www.aclu.org/fighting-police-abuse-community-action-manual
America and life itself are still beautiful. But, because of all the senseless blood that has been shed in the past and recently – if you want to pursue your dream today, right now is your best chance to achieve it.
Just imagine how strong America would be if we eradicated all of the hate, racism, sexism, and other time-wasting phobias that hold us back from being an incredible nation. Sounds amazing, right? Well guess what?
You have the power to make it that way.
