By: Brayden Yin

This year, some Americans have felt conflicted about whether to celebrate the Fourth of July. Whether it is the crowds, the current state of politics, or a loss of nationalism and patriotism, many have decided against celebrating Independence Day.

Malaya Tapp, who grew up in Benton, Ark., is not partaking in festivities this year, because she feels that some of the traditions associated with the day are no longer attractive to her, especially the fireworks. “It’s hard to tell the difference between guns and fireworks, and here there is always something on the news about a shooting or something, so it makes me nervous,” she said. “They are also bad for the environment. They release a lot of toxic chemicals.” This year, she opted out of the celebration, instead traveling with her church’s youth group to Arizona to visit a Navajo nation community. However, the trip was canceled due to a COVID outbreak.

Many Americans, especially of the younger generations, are not celebrating this year, as a poll from YouGov showed. 56% of adults planned to join in the festivities. Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest will still have a champion, and Disney World will still have a red, white, and blue fireworks display.

Isaac Norbe, who works in marketing in Seattle, understands why some may feel down on America. “It is very challenging going into the Fourth of July due to the Supreme Court decisions,” he said. “They also came down on some tough decisions at the same time last year, and it made it very difficult to celebrate.

He said that it wasn’t a time to celebrate a certain day or holiday, but “it’s about celebrating everyone in the country, and it should be for everyone.”