Let me make it clear that no research was done for this article. This is my opinions, my observations, and I know the Chinese invented fireworks.
Every year before New Years and the 4th of July the St. Louis Police Department implores people to not celebrate by shooting off guns (pistols, AKs and shotguns can still be heard depending on where you live). Where we live in Benton Park the crack of firearms is rare now but the shattering bang of fireworks (illegal to fire off in the city) are common.
Tonight I sat in our urban backyard and listened. Mica (Mary's thirteen year old Akita/Shepherd mix dog prefered to remain in hiding). Earlier today I found her hiding in the shower as she is terrified of any bang, bang noise. Anyway, all around fireworks were going off. I am not talking about legal, paid for a permit type of fireworks. Just people who went to one of the many stores, tents and shacks outside of St. Louis County and bought fireworks. BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE lures a lot of folks. It isn't just kids. I see grown adults, with maniacal grins tossing firecrackers from third floor windows just across the street.
Why are people so entranced by the sound of fireworks? I don't believe it is the pretty colors, or the fanciful colorful shapes they make in the air. It is the explosions of light and sound. THE BANG, THE FLASH, THE STARTLING RELEASE OF POWER.
I wonder if fireworks are so popular because - and I know I'll get some negative comments for this - America is a country hooked on war, guns, explosions, and violent flashes of light that obliterate everything nearby.
Right now Benton Park (and I am sure most of St. Louis) sounds like a battleground. Factions on different streets and from different houses trying to out do their neighbors. MY EXPLOSION IS BIGGER THAN YOURS.
Fireworks shows are fine. I don't personally get the attraction, but lots of people act like it is a required event for the 4th of July.
Here is hoping your BBQ was delicious, your family was in a good mood, the neighbors brought a keg, and the weather cooperated.
Namaste, Wayne
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Comments: 8
Keep your heads down.
Namaste, Wayne
Which goes to strengthening my thought that America and War are as connected as Thunder and Lightning.
Namaste, Wayne
Trying to tie the love of noisy fireworks and and a love of war doesn't work.
I think the fascination with noise is tied to personal ego, and the louder the noise the more attention it attracts. I am also more irritated by the more commonplace noisy intrusions that people make such as reeving the engine of a motorcycle or other vehicle for all its worth when sitting at the corner outside my home. Then there are those motorists (and some pedestrians) who want to make sure I know they are passing by blasting their stereos so loud it even sometimes cause my windows to vibrate.