For once in my blogger career, I was able to take themed or holiday pictures before the actual holiday. This time it was the Fourth of July. The celebration of our countries independence. Woohoo! I was proud of myself, proud of my looks, but there was one thing that I lacked pride for- my country. Although I am wearing the colors, I am not feeling them. Keep reading to see why this was my last year rocking the traditional red, white, and blue. It was time for me to say "Red, White, and Bye"! ;)
I've always been into holiday themed clothing. At Christmas time I rock my red and green; for Valentine's Day I rock my red and pink; for St. Patrick's Day I am decked out in green; and for the 4th of July, I am loud and proud in my red, white, and blue. This year was no different.
O ut fi t De t ai l s
Zara Off Shoulder Top (SST) /
High Waist Shorts (SST) /
SST- Similar Style Tagged
I was all excited to share this post with three variations of my red, white, and blue style. Then life happened. On the actual fourth of July, Delrawn Small's was killed in Brooklyn, New York by an off duty police officer due to a road incident. The cop was put on desk duty, after lying about the encounter.
A day later, on July 5, Alton Sterling (a father of FIVE) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana was shot several times by BR police officers, after a 9-1-1 call was made by a homeless man stating that Alton made threats toward him, while flashing a gun. After being wrestled to the ground by two police officers, Alton Sterling was killed. Videos of bystanders show Sterling weaponless, although the police knew that he had one. He was only selling CD's in front of a friends convenience store.
Not even a full 24 hours after the killing of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile was shot by an officer in Minnesota during a routine traffic stop on July 6. Philando had a firearm in his possession, was licensed to carry the weapon, and notified the police officer of the gun. While reaching for his license as he was asked to do, Castile was shot multiple times, resulting in his death. The entire encounter took place in front of Castile's girlfriend, who was able to capture it all using Facebook Live, as well as her four year old daughter who was in the backseat.
Based on a tally completed by the Washington Post, Castile was the 123rd black person to be shot by the police in the 2016. In 2015, the Washington post counted 258 black people shot dead by the police.
Outfit Details
Zara Off the Shoulder Top (SST) /
SST- Similar Style Tagged
To make matters worse, on July 7, during a protest in response to the recent killings, 5 police officers were killed, by a lone sniper identified as Micah Johnson. Johnson was killed after a police robot was used to detonate a bomb near him. I don't agree with what Micah did, killing innocent people, but I do understand his frustration and anger. I also don't agree with the way in which the entire ordeal was handled, being that only a year ago Dylan Roof opened fire on 9 innocent churchgoers in Charleston, SC and was escorted around in a bullet proof vest.
To state that there is a race issue, policing issue, and gun control issue is an understatement. We have just celebrated the freedom of our country; a freedom that comes with a lot of responsibility. We as Americans are not being responsible. All these senseless, violent, and horrible deaths of innocent people is disgusting. How can we celebrate the freedom of our country, while our minds and hearts are enslaved to fear, injustice, and institutionalized racism and prejudice?
I did a little research to determine exactly what the colors red, white, and blue mean. Why had I been wearing them all these years? Why did these colors mean so much to the American people? The white represents purity and innocence. Yea, right! America is a lot of things, but it is not pure or innocent. The red represents hardiness and valour. Not sure who has shown much of either in the recent events, but it definitely is not America. Lastly is the blue that represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Mmmm, no. Not from this country.
I am not proud to wear the colors of this country, because I am not proud of the actions of this country. No, it didn't just get this bad, but as I get older I am getting wiser. With wisdom comes responsibility and I realize the importance of standing up for what I believe in. Right now I don't believe in the colors of America.
All three colors I wear proudly in these pictures, but without the meaning to truly back them up, I can't continue to wear them with pride. I love my country, but I am not blindly in love with my country. I see the flaws, I see what's wrong, and I am ashamed.
Outfit Details
SST- Similar Style Tagged
Other countries look at America as if it is the greatest place on earth and in comparison to other places, I'm sure it is, but as a citizen of this "great" land I see the good and the bad. I see the cases of justice and injustice. I see the well-meaning people and those that are willingly blind and ignorant to the present day issues. We need change.
No, me deciding not to wear these colors wont make a difference for what's happening in my country, but it's where I am choosing to start. You don't have to agree with it or like it, because I don't care. I can't care about the opinions of those that don't see a need for change in this country or care more about my choosing not to wear this countries colors.
Anyone who took the time to read this entire post, I thank you! It wasn't your traditional OOTD x BLT post, but it's time to get rid of some of our traditions.
I can't really say what color I will choose to wear, but I'm leaning towards black and white. Black because I am beyond proud to be African American and white because not all white people are bad. We, African Americans, can't make this country better on our own. There are non-black people who care, and want to see this country be better, and are willing to open their eyes to the injustices that exist. I's time to ignore the colors and pay attention to the people.
Peace and goodbye to my red,white, and blue, beautiful people!
xo,
BLT
