We celebrated the 234th birthday of the United States of America on Sunday. Many Americans commemorated this event by eating hot dogs, swimming or enjoying cold alcoholic beverages while watching fireworks glow in the background. Even President Obama hosted a barbeque in the backyard of the White House. But during all these celebrations, did Americans really celebrate independence, or is this holiday just an excuse to drink and enjoy an extra day off?Independence Day is the anniversary of our Founding Fathers adopting and signing the Declaration of Independence, which announced our intention to escape the rule of Great Britain. In the beginning, annual readings of the Declaration were a common way to commemorate the holiday in all states. In 1785, the first parade was held in Bristol, Rhode Island, and it still continues each year. Fireworks were first used in celebration of the holiday in 1863. But as the years passed, celebrations of Independence Day changed with the times.In 1917, the world famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest started between four immigrants and the winner was said to be the most patriotic. As time passed, the contest grew into a Fourth of July staple. People from all over the world come to Coney Island each year on July 4 weekend to compete in the contest. As the popularity of the contest grew, the reason for the contest became who could eat the most hot dogs, not who was the most patriotic.Some contestants aren’t even American, like Takeru Kobayashi, who won consecutively from 2001 to 2006 and was arrested at this year’s competition. In order to revive the American spirit behind the contest, I think they should only allow Americans to enter the contest. This will boost American morale and restore the patriotism that was most important in the first place.Fireworks are another important part of the holiday. Most states hold firework displays, even though they are illegal in some states. The most famous display is over the Hudson River in New York City.However, this year, many cities eliminated firework displays because of the economy. On average, a 20-minute firework display could easily cost up to $20,000. Because of the recession, many states could not budget that much money for one celebration, and I agree with their decision.Blowing up thousands of dollars is another example of how the celebration has grown out of hand. Traditions aside, let’s remember the situation of our economy and put things into perspective. Millions of dollars could have been saved this year alone had every state halted the firework displays. I like pretty lights in the sky just as much as the next person, but that’s not the point of the holiday.The Fourth of July has also become a shopping holiday. Many retail stores like Sears and Macy’s, have huge “blowout sales” to persuade customers to come into the stores over the extended weekend. Car dealerships also use the holiday to increase sales before the new model cars come out for the next year. Just like with Christmas and Easter, the Fourth of July has grown into a consumer holiday. I don’t think the Founding Fathers were worried about sales when they were signing the Declaration of Independence.It’s clear Independence Day has lost its meaning. These days, it seems like it’s only good for sales, food and a good show. Most holidays have suffered the same fate and I don’t see that changing any time soon. You can blame it on American selfishness or just a change in the times, but I can tell you one thing, if you take away their day off, you’ll see Americans arm up like its 1776.
—-Contact Brittany Davis at [email protected].