The Washington Post ran a story challenging Americans’ use of fireworks to celebrate Independence Day just days before the national holiday.
The Monday piece, headlined “Fireworks are America’s favorite face exploding, dog torturing, bird murdering way to celebrate its birthday,” is part of a series questioning “the supposed joys of summer.”
The article begins cheerfully describing the centuries-old American tradition before quickly pivoting to why fireworks are obnoxious, dangerous, and mean:
“Fireworks are actually kind of terrible,” the piece says.
The author, Washington Post feature writer Caitlin Gibson, backs up her assertion with statistics of the harm caused by people handling fireworks. About 9,100 people visited a hospital emergency room last year with firework-related injuries, according to CPSC data. Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
After a few anecdotal stories of baby eagles falling from nests and dogs taking CBD oil to cope with the anxiety brought on by loud explosions, Gibson points out that professionally done fireworks shows are the “less terrible” and safest way to enjoy the sparkling spectacle. Even at professional events, attendees must still put up with crying toddlers, scared animals, and smelly people, however.
Gibson begins concluding piece by shifting focus to President Trump’s upcoming “Salute to America” to take place on Thursday. If plans go accordingly, Trump will give a Fourth of July speech and the U.S. military will show off with displays from fighter jet pilots and tank operators.
“The skies above the Mall will light up with a historic spectacle planned by a historically unpopular president, who announced that he would deliver a speech at the traditionally nonpartisan event, followed by a lavish ‘Salute to America’ with fireworks made in China,” Gibson writes.
