As we celebrate our independence, I am reminded of the rich history our country has fighting for what is right. I am reminded of Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream. I am reminded of Susan B. Anthony’s fight for women’s suffrage. I am reminded of Eloise Cobell’s determination for indigenous rights. I am reminded of Rachel Carson’s crusade for environmental justice. I am inspired by these people who stood up for their rights and have made huge change for our country. I look back on the courage it took for our founding fathers to enshrine our rights.
I am proud of where we have come since 1776, but I can’t help being saddened by the complacency our country has become so familiar with. I wonder why the same country that prides itself in being a world leader continues to refuse to lead the world to a more sustainable future that offers justice for all. I look around and see a lack of compassion toward minorities that seems so out of place for a country that once was so proud of the melting pot and diversity it holds. I am willing to fight for this country because I believe we have what it takes to create a bright future for everybody.
I refuse to give up on this country, so I refuse to overlook the flaws. This country is far from perfect, and I am tired of pretending it is anything but working progress, but I have also grown tired of pretending that it is not worth defending and fighting for. I refuse to give up on the underprivileged Americans that do not have the same luxury I have of waking up and feeling safe in the country we both call home.
I live in a country where I had access to free public education where I was pushed and encouraged to unlock my potential. I was able to launch a business in high school because of the support I received from teachers and local business owners. Unfortunately, however this is also the same country where free education is the bare minimum when kids born into poverty are forced to drop out before receiving a high school diploma in order to start working and providing for their families.
I live in a country where I was able to pursue higher education and chase my dreams. But I will not look past the Americans that are unable to dream as reality has become a nightmare of just getting by.
I live in a country where I have been able to play sports my whole life and continue playing at a collegiate level. In this country I have been taught that I am strong, powerful, and explosive. Yet this is the same country that until recently, had more fortune 500 CEOs that were named David than are women.
I live in a country where I have been met with extreme kindness and compassion, where a random pedestrian might help me parallel park in busy downtown Minneapolis. Or where I might end up chatting in the St. Mary KOA hot tub with other vacationers until my fingers and toes begin to wrinkle. Or where two strangers might share dinner with me and pay, while exchanging traveling stories as we were all passing through Salt Lake City. Or where perfect strangers might stop at the Great Falls Farmers’ Market to congratulate me on my business.
The experiences I have had and the people that I have met have been predominantly positive, but I know what factored into each interaction is the color of my skin, my sexuality, my religion—my privilege.
So, as we celebrate, I also encourage you to demand better and push for the bright future we all deserve. I know we are capable.