An Independence Day Celebration?
Independence Day is America’s holiday. It’s ours alone. While other countries may have Memorial Days, Labor Days and some (Canada, for example) may even have Thanksgivings, July 4th is uniquely our own. It’s a time, therefore, for all Americans to celebrate with pride America’s commitment to democracy and freedom. It’s quite curious, therefore, that on such a joyous occasion, a successful and well known American business icon, Ben And Jerry’s Ice Cream, chose to “celebrate” our country’s founding with the following tweet:
“The United States was founded on stolen indigenous land. This Fourth of July, let’s commit to returning it.”
What the HELL?
Then, on their website they further comment: “July 4 festivities and celebrations can distract from an essential truth about this nation’s birth.”
REALLY?
And, on TikTok they further suggested that America begin the process of returning the land we “stole” by returning Mount Rushmore to the Native Americans. Mount Rushmore? Yes, Mount Rushmore!
What the double HELL?
Their website further explains:
“The faces on Mount Rushmore are the faces of men who actively worked to destroy indigenous cultures and ways of life, to deny Indigenous people their basic rights.”
Oh, well OKAY, then, Mr. Ben and Mr. Jerry! We read you loud and clear…. But, is AMERICA okay with your plan?…Is everyone ON BOARD with this?…. Maybe not! Turns out a massive boycott organized on social media seems to have put a damper on their zealous campaign. As noted in a headline from the Times of Israel: “Parent company Unilever loses nearly $2 billion worth of stock since their announcement.” (Source: Times of Israel Staff, 8 July 2023). TWO BILLION!… Not exactly small change!
But, loss of capitalization isn’t the ONLY thing Ben & Jerry’s now has to worry about. Taking a cue from Ben & Jerry’s July 4th missives, guess what?… The tribes now want BEN AND JERRY’S LAND back too! Don Stevens, chief of the Abenaki tribe, claims the land on which the company’s headquarters in Vermont sits, and told Newsweek Magazine that they (Native Americans) are “always interested in reclaiming the stewardship of our lands.” He also noted that Ben & Jerry’s has not contacted him in this regard as yet. So, Mr. Ben and Mr. Jerry, put your money where your mouth is. Call Chief Stevens and start the divestiture process tout de suite! My guess is that Chief Stevens shouldn’t hold his breath.