A critical perspective on the official recognition and commercialization of Juneteenth, highlighting several key points:

1. Acknowledgment of Slavery: By designating Juneteenth as a holiday, the government acknowledges the historical fact of slavery and the delayed emancipation of enslaved people, which we find painful and somewhat insulting.
2. Delayed Emancipation: Celebrating Juneteenth emphasizes the fact that enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, which feels like a significant oversight and a reminder of neglect.
3. Capitalism vs. Citizenship: The commercialization of Juneteenth, with major retailers like Walmart and Target profiting from merchandise, exemplifies how capitalism takes precedence over genuine recognition and support of the Black community.
4. Commercialization and Profit: The proliferation of Juneteenth products in large stores benefits these corporations rather than Black-owned businesses, contrasting with the commercialization of other holidays like the Fourth of July.
5. Government Validation: Juneteenth has lost some of its original meaning and significance by becoming a federal holiday, implying that it was more authentic and meaningful when celebrated within the community without government endorsement.
6. Policy Priorities: The decision to make Juneteenth a federal holiday without addressing more pressing issues, such as enacting new crime legislation, as suggested by figures like Ice Cube.
7. Changed Perception: A personal shift in how I will view and celebrate Juneteenth, feeling that its deeper significance has been overshadowed by its official recognition and commercialization.

In summary, we feel that while the official recognition of Juneteenth brings attention to historical injustices, it also commercializes the holiday in a way that benefits corporations more than the Black community. We believe that more impactful actions, like policy changes, should have been prioritized over creating another holiday.

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