The 4th of July is a weekend of massive celebration in the United States. Will these moments in the history of this country allow for deeper reflection about the following statement?
“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that their creator endows them with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Some us, not all, hold such truth that all men are created equal. And cannot pass this moment in history with such significant discussion about the so-called three w’s (wear a mask, wait at home, wash your hands), to pause and reflect seriously about the injustices happening to our brothers and sisters of color. Therefore, while you wear a mask, please pay close attention to the veil behind it, blocking your real conscious perceptions. A veil that argues that all lives matter, double consciousness rhetoric that has gotten old. Double consciousness defined as the challenge of having to deal with two beings with separate understandings and observations of one’s existence.
A careful analysis of one’s soul, life, interests, and the sense of belonging that conflicts with a different opinion and view of the same one’s existence and soul, is like two humans living in the same body. Wait at home or social distancing, with houses that have been overpopulated as a result of the lack of opportunities and discrimination that our communities of color suffer daily. Millions lost their jobs while struggling to keep up with rent, while the absolute lack of governance in this country is becoming evident by the day. Undoubtedly, it is hypocritical to recommend social distancing when thousands of families with numbers over ten live under the same roof.
Such recommendations illustrate the tendency to preserve a set of values to support the continuity and reproduction of an inadequate economic model. Pierre Bourdieu, a sociologist, anthropologist, and philosopher originally from France, elaborated on cultural capital, social capital, practice theory, habitus, doxa, and other ideas, that could provide further clarification to these observations. The reproduction theory can gauge the importance of constructing community models that hold the truth that all men are created equal.
Consequently, we are due to provide access to the underrepresented and economically challenged communities that allow for a better place with opportunities for all, not just those at the top.While washing your hands in exercising that third recommended ‘w’, take the time to reflect on the many times we have washed them either by ignoring an injustice taking place, or walking away from people in need. Make this weekend a true celebration of independence, highlighting the importance of certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for every living being in Gaia.
Prof. Arenas
