Free Dumb

By Jo Lorenz

Today in the States, it’s the Fourth of July — or Independence Day — the day commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Yet the truth remains that this liberation did not — and still does not — apply to all Americans. At the time it was written it did not apply to Native Americans whose lands were stolen and against whom genocide was repeatedly committed. It did not apply to the enslaved Black people, who were stolen from Africa to forcibly work for white colonisers. It did not apply to women, who lacked the ability to vote and once married were under the legal control of their husbands. And later on, it did not apply to the Japanese-Americans who were taken into concentration camps, beaten and held captive, after WWII. The list unfortunately goes on and on . . .

The history of Independent America — about noble founding fathers and their wisdom — is unfortunately a lie enacted to justify colonisation, racism, sexism and enslavement. Yet federal gaslighting does not have to define this day forever, so please don’t just blindly celebrate FREE DUMB.

If you want to spend time with family and friends today, then go for it! But if you choose to commemorate today, then please do so with truth. Toast to a stronger, more equitable future. Acknowledge the ongoing ramifications of genocide, oppression and enslavement. Vow to use your privilege to enable a recovering world. And raise your glass to inclusivity, where the truth will truly set us all free.

Free Dumb is in the past. But sincerity can be our future.