Some thoughts I had on the drive home from class today took me to make a mental list of the special 'multicultural' days that our nation celebrates. Why is it that some cultural celebrations seem like they create an 'other' designation for certain times of the year in a negative light, while others seem to elevate that 'other' status for that time?
I guess I'm thinking, OK, so having "Black History Month" is problematic because of the implications that the other 11 are non-black history months. But what about St. Patrick's Day? Why is it that people who have no Irish heratage whatsoever are so eager to 'celebrate' this day clearly linked to one culture? The same problematic should be there, but it doesn't seem to be. Or Oktoberfest? Or Pulaski day? Is this because these cultures have assimilated into the culture of power more successfully? Thoughts on this anyone?
I won't even open the can of worms that is the false representation of culture these drinking days can represent...
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I was just thinking about how Cinco de Mayo is such a huge holiday for everyone in my area. The rest of the year, we are uncomfortable thinking of or discussing the whole border/immigration/how our state's economy rests on illegal workers, but boy! For that one day, we can celebrate Mexicans and drink! And while it makes sense that we would embrace the independence behind the holiday, most of us do not even know what the day represents historicaly.
(Warning: Jokingly simplistic answer coming- do not construe as a real opinion)
*We don't have an excuse to get drunk during Black History Month like we do for St. Patrick's Day, Oktoberfest, and Cinco de Mayo!!!!*
I sure hope it's not as simple as that, but I have no idea who St. Patrick is and I'm white (golly I've been "admitting" that more these past two weeks than I think I ever have).
Time for another personal story:
My grandfather was from Northern Ireland, and they aren't too friendly with Ireland. So, IN BOSTON, he made my mother and her sister wear orange every St. Patrick's day. They were kicked and spit on by the many Irish classmates that lived in the area. What does that story tell me? That whether or not we* know what and why we're celebrating- we can get so very attatched to our traditions that we respond with resistance and even violence when we feel they are being threatened! Interesting!
*(a very general "we")
Lets talk about how St. Valentine's Day is now just Valentine's Day. It cant be about a Saint can it! It has to be "halmark-ized" into something that can pass as "love and sex appreciation day" This is bull sh*t!
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