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America, America

By on Saturday, July 6, 2013
Yesterday was the 4th of July. As a rather novice student of culture and nationalism, I always find the 4th especially interesting. Not every country has a true blue independence day where citizens can pinpoint the moment, often long(ish) ago, when the line was really drawn between “us” and “them.” I think that having a) an identifiable “moment” of independence from b) a subjugating country whose tenants yours has ostensibly rejected makes it somewhat easier to demonstrate national culture. You can, after all, be the opposite of everything you sought independence from. What do you think?

Anyway, enough of my meandering semi-philosophy. Instead, I want to show you pictures of what was a super fun 4th! A preview:


Despite it being rather un-American in the scheme of things, I went to
see the Colorado Rapids v. New York Red Bulls (hello, Mr. delicious
Thierry Henry!). Sorry, but I hate baseball. The fun started before the game with an All American tail gate, complete with red solo cups.

 People seemed a little confused as to whether to dress in Rapids burgundy or red, white and blue.

Instead of having to sit in the nosebleed seats or stand in the raucous
fan section behind the goal as is normal, I was comped four box seats
right at midfield, so I could see every drop of sweat on Mr. Henry’s
gorgeous face.

I had a really hard time concentrating because there was so much to eat and drink, but the boys helped me pay attention.


Things got really intense after the first half, but nothing that couldn’t be solved by the wave. (Sorry for the poor quality. I tried to get a good picture of it!)

 We pulled through for a solid 2-0 victory. Sorry, Thierry. 

 That of course necessitated a cannon blast!

 And loads of applause.

 After the match, we were ushered onto the field for a pre-fireworks show
by the Colorado-based band Flobots followed by an amazing fireworks
show “performed” to Americana tunes such as “Born in the USA.” It wouldn’t be the 4th without the Boss, after all.

Hope you had a wonderful 4th if you celebrated!

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Comments

  2. Milu Sosa

    Those fireworks look beautiful!!!
    Thanks for sharing and your lovely comment 🙂 it looks like you had a good time!
    XOXO

    hellolupi.blogspot.com

  6. Lena

    I missed the fireworks…

    Well, I'm including a small bit on semiotics in my paper and I was just writing (before I started scrolling through BlogLovin) about how Saussure indicated that the meaning (signifieds) related by cultural markers (signifiers) can only be understood in difference. Eg. "mother" as a series of squiggles has no inherent relation to what we understand the word to mean, and that the meaning of "mother" depends on "father" and "daughter." Thus, nations and cultures are defined by the others they are not.

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