Damon Wayans Jr. Fourth of July Tweet Offended Some White People but Some Black People Understood What He Was Saying

Since the comments specifically singled out White people, I’m guessing most of the folks who were upset were White people. However, it doesn’t mean that other races weren’t offended also. Traditionally, most Americans, including Blacks  celebrate the July 4th Independence holiday. But the truth of the matter is Blacks were still legally slaves in this country in 1776. Therefore it seems a little bit hypocritical for a country to celebrate freedom while still holding people in bondage. Some Black people bring up this  contradiction to remind other Americans of our struggle. Perhaps the most eloquent description of this feeling was made by Frederick Douglass in his speech called “What to a Slave is the 4th of July?” 

I believe this is what Damon Wayans Jr. was trying to articulate when he tweeted out his comments. I do not believe him when he says it was just a “joke.” I think he was trying to convey a message, but did it in a insensitive manner. His limited scope on a day that set up the structure for freedoms that is not always granted to everyone but can possibly be obtained by all, doesn’t make right. On the other hand the ugly truth that this country was built on racism, doesn’t make him wrong.

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