Lorde The Fourth Of July Analysis

American society has long been hailed as the melting pot of the world, a diverse amalgam of culture and ideology that welcomes all the world’s people. But the Land of Opportunity’s quintessential ideology does not always mirror the actions of its citizens. Discrimination based on skin or culture has always been the dark byproduct of America’s great diversity. Merriam Webster defines racism as “a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities” (Merriam Webster) and as society sinks into such a mindset, it breeds arrogance and suppresses the wellspring of unique thought inherent to America. Discrimination is an omnipresent force, manifesting in blatant forms -- slavery or the Ku Klux Klan-- to subtle, even unintentional …show more content…
Audre Lorde 's essay, "The Fourth of July," proves that ignoring a problem does nothing to solve it, as the overwhelming whiteness of the pavement and the monuments of the nation 's capital paled in comparison to the white superiority complex infecting peoples ' mentalities. The attitude of Lorde’s passive parents towards the uncomfortable topic, that “perhaps it would go away, deprived of… attention” (Lorde) is reminiscent of the “color blind” ideology of today. These so called activists advocate a complete lack of action, an utter erasure of race as an issue, rather than addressing its reality. Refusing to acknowledge race not only keeps current victims of discrimination from receiving aid, it refuses to defend those at risk of being attacked. Celebrating race, however, forces society to acknowledge the differences between them and learn that there is no need to persecute those who are different. From Lorde 's perspective, acknowledging race is imperative. The excerpt shows how ignoring race breeds fury, embarrassment, and an acceptance of blatant injustice. Putting a taboo on talking about racism did not help the Lorde family combat injustice then, and it simply “perpetuate[s] discrimination and entrenched inequalities, while blaming individuals for their failure to flourish” (Dejusticia Global Rights) today. Lorde herself is an example of the benefits of embracing culture, basing her life works on the truth that “It is not … differences that divide … It is… inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences” (Lorde). Now a famous poet, the namesake of awards and a recognized talent, Audre celebrates her blackness and rejects the shackles of a society that spurned her for the color of her skin, proving that celebrating race benefits individuals and the societies they contribute