How to celebrate the Fourth of July when America is a constant disappointment

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America has always been bad, no matter who the president is or was. Since Trump’s election, however, the qualities that make America particularly bad—racism, sexism, homophobia, the institutionalized manifestations of each of these, et cetera—have been emboldened, forcing many people to reckon with the ugly reality of their beloved USA. “This is not America,” I keep hearing. But the truth of the matter is that family separation, a disregard for Black lives, homophobia, and every other incarnation of white male supremacy are exactly what America is made of. In light of that, celebrating the Fourth of July in the spirit of patriotism may sound far from appealing. Here are some alternative ways to celebrate the Fourth of July that include less blind nationalism and more uplifting communities that American institutions have so long worked against

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If you’re hosting a get-together, consider setting an intention for the function that finds something to celebrate about America that isn’t simple nationalism, possibly focusing a minority community you belong to. Invites could say something like, “I’m having a get-together to celebrate the resilience of [insert marginalized community] in America,” as one option.

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As you shop for food and party supplies, try buying from businesses owned and operated by indigenous people or other communities who face systemic disadvantages in the US.

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