Tag: family

Happy Thanksgiving, Part 1

The arrival of the fourth Thursday of November ushers in a distinctly American celebration—Thanksgiving. Today, the holiday is instantly recognizable by its modern-day trappings: the centerpiece of a magnificent turkey dinner, the spectacle of professional football games broadcast nationwide, and the grandeur of elaborate, televised parades. Yet, Thanksgiving is far more than just a fleeting day of food and festivity; it is a deep-rooted historical and cultural event.

Today, let’s explore the rich and complex history of this uniquely American holiday. Its narrative begins with the holiday’s earliest conceptual origins in the American colonies—a period of precarious survival and the genesis of formalized days of gratitude. The special then follows the evolution of Thanksgiving, exploring its journey from a sporadic regional observance to a federally mandated national holiday. It culminates with a look at the deeply personal, family feasts Americans cherish today, showcasing the diverse ways modern households embrace this tradition.

Join us as we explore how this much-loved holiday has transformed over the centuries, reflecting the changing landscape, values, and traditions of the United States, ultimately revealing the enduring meaning of gratitude and coming together.The arrival of the fourth Thursday of November ushers in a distinctly American celebration—Thanksgiving. Today, the holiday is instantly recognizable by its modern-day trappings: the centerpiece of a magnificent, often-brined and perfectly roasted turkey dinner, the spectacle of high-stakes professional football games broadcast nationwide from stadiums across the country, and the grandeur of elaborate, televised parades, most notably the annual Macy’s parade in New York City, which signals the unofficial start of the winter holiday season. Yet, Thanksgiving is far more than just a fleeting day of food and festivity; it is a deep-rooted historical and cultural event that serves as a powerful expression of gratitude, a moment of national reflection, and a deeply personal family tradition.

Its enduring significance lies in its complex narrative, which weaves together themes of colonial-era hardship, national unity, and evolving American values.

Today, let’s explore the rich and complex history of this uniquely American holiday. Its narrative begins with the holiday’s earliest conceptual origins in the American colonies—a period defined by precarious survival, stark hardship, and the genesis of formalized “days of gratitude.” These early observances, often religious in nature, were spontaneous events called to give thanks for a successful harvest, a military victory, or the end of a devastating drought or plague. The most famous of these, the 1621 harvest feast shared by the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag people, has become the foundational myth, though it was not considered a “Thanksgiving” in the modern sense.

The special then follows the gradual evolution of Thanksgiving, exploring its journey from a sporadic, regional observance to a federally mandated national holiday. For well over a century, the celebration remained inconsistent, with various states adopting different dates and traditions. The crucial push for national recognition came in the mid-19th century, spearheaded by figures like writer and editor Sarah Josepha Hale, who tirelessly campaigned for decades to establish a uniform national day of thanks. Her efforts finally bore fruit during the Civil War, when President Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving, seeing it as a way to unify a fractured nation by focusing on common blessings. The holiday was officially set for the last Thursday of November.

It culminates with a look at the deeply personal, family feasts Americans cherish today, showcasing the diverse ways modern households embrace this tradition. The modern Thanksgiving table, while often featuring the iconic turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, has become a melting pot that reflects the country’s diverse demographics. Immigrant families and different regions incorporate their own heritage—be it tamales in the Southwest, seafood dressing in the coastal South, or unique desserts—into the core American menu. This focus on family and gathering provides a powerful, emotional anchor for the holiday, transcending its historical and commercial aspects.

Join us as we explore how this much-loved holiday has transformed over the centuries, reflecting the changing landscape, values, and traditions of the United States. From the meager, uncertain feast of the 17th-century settlers to the lavish, televised spectacle of the 21st century, the story of Thanksgiving ultimately reveals the enduring meaning of gratitude, resilience, and the essential act of coming together as a community and a family.

Yes, Thanksgiving is one of the best days of the year… unless you’re Cliff Huxtable.

Race and Beauty in Brasil.

Hello,

Before I go into this post, I want all of you out there to know that the topic of race and racism in brazil is a very loaded and confusing topic. Why? well, watch the vkideo below.

Synopsis of the video: Jessica says she’s black. Her cousin says she’s white. This difference in their self-identification highlights the complex tapestry of racial identity that exists in Brazil, a country notorious for its diverse population and the myriad shades of skin tones within it.

Stephanie Nolen spends time with one family to find out just how complicated race in Brazil can be, delving into the historical context and cultural nuances that shape these identities. Through her exploration, she uncovers stories of resilience and pride, as well as the ongoing challenges that individuals face in a society still grappling with its colonial past and the implications of colorism on personal and communal relationships. By engaging in candid conversations with family members across generations, Nolen reveals how the legacy of slavery continues to influence social dynamics, personal aspirations, and community ties.

Now the video below, heartbreaking as it can be to some of us, hits close to home for me.

In this touching video, a Brazilian social influencer tries to convince her black grandmother that she is beautiful, sharing heartfelt words and personal stories to uplift her spirit. The grandmother, however, remains skeptical and struggles to embrace this affirmation due to the deep-rooted beliefs shaped by all the racist things she’s heard and experienced as a black woman in Brazil throughout her life.

The influencer gently recounts moments of pride and resilience within their family’s history, drawing attention to the stories of her ancestors who overcame adversity and celebrated their unique identities throughout generations. By sharing these cherished memories, she hopes to spark a profound sense of self-love and appreciation in her grandmother’s heart, encouraging her to reflect on the legacy of strength that runs through their bloodline. This narrative emphasizes that beauty comes in many forms, whether it is through cultural practices, shared traditions, or personal triumphs, and is inherently tied to one’s identity and heritage. She passionately believes that recognizing this interconnectedness can foster a deeper understanding of oneself, allowing her grandmother—and others—to embrace their own worth and the rich tapestry of their background.

Now the reason this nits close to home for me is all the “Yo mama’s so black“jokes, and all the reminders that in the not so distant past, and even in our present, blackness equated to ugliness. The darker someone’s skin was, the worse they were treated, often subjected to cruel stereotypes and derogatory comments that permeated everyday life. These so-called jokes were not just harmless humor; they were deeply rooted in historical prejudice and societal norms that devalued the beauty and worth of those with darker complexions. It pains me to reflect on how these narratives have shaped perceptions, reinforcing a damaging hierarchy based on skin tone.

This experience highlights the urgent need for a broader understanding of beauty that celebrates diversity rather than diminishes it, urging society to challenge and dismantle these harmful stereotypes that continue to persist today.