July 4th- a day that most people just see as a day off from work; to see fireworks, enjoy a BBQ, and have a few drinks. Most just know that it was the day America sealed their independence from the British Empire (not to be confused with the day the constitution was signed). For me, July 4th is really important. It’s an annual reminder of humans who believed in a lifestyle that was greater than what they were told. It was the beginning of a new journey. I believe (but many debate), that the founding fathers, although deferred in opinions, trusted each other. They knew that their various perspectives allowed for a conversation that would eventually lead to the best working system. Through debate, conversation, and a common goal, they created an idea. This began to change the way people thought, the way systems worked, and the way equality was envisioned. Remember, equality wasn’t a “natural law,” it wasn’t our right. This document was the spark to create change for mankind in the colonies, and now, in the world. It would inspire revolutions and governmental changes for the nations today that are considered the most influential. That’s why it’s worth celebrating.
This year, I went to in NYC with friends…least to say, it did not go as expected.
The Good
It’s NYC. Places are rarely as exciting as this city. The weather was great, it was a Friday, and I had great company. For anyone who’s been to NYC and the boroughs, the good stuff is self explanatory. It’s New York. The city lights, a peak of the Empire State’s colors, the freedom tower piercing the sky- those are enough to make me smile.
The Bad
They moved the fireworks. I knew they had moved the fireworks from the Hudson to the East River. In my opinion, it wasn’t the best thing, but getting to the other side of Manhattan or to Brooklyn is an L train away. And I wonderfully assessed that watching the fireworks from Brooklyn would be a gorgeous view. I thought that the Manhattan skyline would be a beautiful backdrop. However, I, most of Brooklyn, and apparently the police force assigned to the Brooklyn territory had no clue about the fireworks being moved down south. Needless to say, it was frustrating. I saw a total of one firework.
The Ugly
Even worse than that…The crowd was in massive confusion. My two friends and I ended up separated. Without smartphones, I don’t know what we would have done. By sheer luck we ended up meeting back at Penn.
But after everything and after getting past the initial frustration, I’m glad I went to NYC and brought two friends with me. I’m not going to lie…not seeing fireworks, not eating all day, and getting separated sucked. Though, I didn’t lounge around all day. I did something different, tried new things, had an experience. I appreciated that the most. Who are we kidding, not all experiences are going to be great and most of this trip wasn’t. What matters most is what I walk away with. I can whine about not having seen fireworks and taking the A train back alone but it’s not going to do me any good. I had fun walking around all of Brooklyn with friends. And in all honesty, I enjoyed being New York. Last year I went to Philadelphia and that was an aggressive crowd. This might be surprising to people who’ve never been to NYC but it really is true when they say New Yorkers look out for others; they’re some of the friendliest people.
So out of all of this, here’s my fourth of July patriotic spiel:
Living in America in general and being a part of a nation that’s worked so hard to evolve perceptions, amend global laws, and help other nations, is amazing. People forget what positive things America has done. Like any other nation, it has a lot to grow; though, that’s the amazing part of victories and change- the process. America enables people to have the freedom to choose their own process, their own journey. This is what it was created for. I’ll take the good with the bad because I’m not going to take that for granted.