By: Grace Liu

This year, some Americans are not planning on celebrating Independence Day because of recent shootings, a loss of patriotism, and concern over activities that can harm the environment.

Many Americans lost their motive for July Fourth celebrations in 2020 because of the Black Lives Matter movement. The many fireworks also cause concern for many, as it is hard to tell the difference between gunshots and fireworks. In addition, fireworks are harmful to the environment.

A survey by YouGov found that 56 percent of American adults planned on celebrating the Fourth of July this year.

This year, many people, including celebrities, still plan on celebrating Independence Day. Demi Lovato, Post Malone, and Sheryl Crow are some of the many artists performing on CNN’s Fourth of July special.

Celebrating the holiday can also challenges. It can be very crowded and hot, and everyone is trying to get a good view of the fireworks. Politics can also get in the way of celebrating. Last summer, Roe v. Wade was overturned in June, and not many people were in the mood to patriotically celebrate.

Allison Bartella, a 30 year old in Brookly, is saying no to Independence Day, a holiday she never liked. “I feel like it’s kind of the New Year’s Eve of the summer,” she said.

“Expectations are high, and they are usually not met. The food is always sitting out in the sun, and it’s hot, and you are getting scared by random fireworks in the street, and it just doesn’t turn out how you want it to be.”

Conner Miskowiec, a 28 year old content creator in Phoenix, decided to create a video series where he asked strangers if they were going to celebrate the Fourth of July. He got everything from “America is the greatest country in the world, and we have to celebrate the American Dream,” to “This country has a lot to work on, and America isn’t so free, and I don’t feel like celebrating.”

Independence Day has turned into a very controversial holiday, with some people feeling that Independence Day is not inclusive, so they do not celebrate. Other Americans feel pressured to celebrate the holiday.

Isaac Norbe, a 40 year old, understands why some people may not feel like celebrating this year. But he has always loved the Fourth of July “It’s about celebrating your community and the community you create with the people around you,” he said. For Norbe, Independence Day is about celebrating everyone in America, and the holiday should be for everyone.

Some Americans might not be holding up sparklers this Fourth of July, but many will still celebrate.

Link to article: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/02/style/rethinking-july-4th-celebrations.html