Rock Candy Reviews

A bittersweet 4th of July

I wore the colors of the American flag today, despite the fact that in years prior, I’d usually wear all black. It was a way to protest and show my frustration.

Almost everything about the country made me angry. The increase of hatred, the lack of empathy from the people who are supposed to protect us. (Especially, since I happen to be a black, bisexual, female.)

However this isn’t just about the things that put me in danger. It’s about everyone. Even the people I disagree with. We will all suffer in one way or another if the U.S. continues to ignore our problems. Whether it be about money, discrimination, healthcare, or war. We have to find our humanity, and choose to not let our anger and fear control our actions.

I’m still not happy with the way things are right now. Everyday there is one more reminder of how we let our problems fester. Sometimes, we actively make them worse. But there is a limit to what rage can do for us.

Everyone has a right to their feelings about the world today. As for me, I am too drained to be outraged. Years ago, I would be kicking and screaming online, and in real life. But that didn’t really accomplish much.

So, I have decided this year to try something different. That something is hope.

I can no longer throw my hands up in the air and say “well, this sucks”. That kind of reaction only made me more depressed. This is why I have decided to model the type of behavior I want to see. Things definitely do suck right now, but all I can do is try and spread kindness to those around me.

Choosing to be the reason that someone keeps going instead of giving up. Making someone happy for a brief moment, instead of making them crash out.

I want to be proud of my country. I want to feel safe in my country. I want other countries to see America as a decent place.

So I will hope for a better future. A future where we will move forward, not back.

So, yes. I wore red, white and blue today. Not because everything is fine, but because I hope things can be fine someday.

(You don’t have to agree with the way I show my hope. Just be respectful.)