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Fireworks Illustrate the Difference between Society and Individualism
Do you have a right to be selfish?
Fireworks are an enjoyable visual spectacle. Ever since French King Louis XIV made fireworks an integral part of his court festivals, they have been a staple of celebrations. The Fourth of July in the United States, Guy Fawkes Day in England, and New Years Eve nearly everywhere, are marked by fireworks.
On those nights, many cities arrange a display of fireworks for the public. The spectacular fireworks shows are expensive and take professional skill and experience to coordinate. The adage of “don’t try this at home” applied big time to fireworks because they are dangerous.
Louis XIV set off fireworks as part of his ostentatious displays of wealth. Today, some people, mostly males, insist on setting off their own fireworks. Unlike Louis XIV, these people can’t afford the really good fireworks, so they settle for cheap bottle rockets, and of course cherry bombs. Some males get off on making noise of various kinds, as anyone can attest who has ever been to a bar. One way these males can make noise is to go into their backyard and set off the loudest firework they can find.
The noise begins a few days before the holiday. The evening calm is shattered by explosions; first a few, increasing as the…
