Culture

Casual conversation is not always casual. Words spoken can take on a meaning of their own and fester as reality if people don't consider the context. For instance a few days ago I went out to eat at the Karshone's cafe in town. While I was thoroughly enjoying my Swiss and olive burger with fries, I asked the waitress what her plans were for this Fourth of July. She responded she doesn't believe in the holiday. Her view is if a person speaks his mind, he will get shot. I didn't say anything, although what she said disturbed me. And although I am no expert at reading people, her eyes widening as if someone had literally shot her, suggests she obviously meant it. I just couldn't believe what I was hearing, as she conflated freedom with death.

Perhaps as the Fourth of July draws near, some people forget its meaning. I hope I speak for the multitude when I say it is about a celebration of family and freedom. We celebrate each other, and gestures such as a plate of chocolate chip cookies is cause for fireworks. The freedom to express to someone how you feel should never be taken lightly either. In that respect the waitress at Karshone's has a point, even as she contradicted herself the exact moment she voiced her opinion. Yet that is the beauty found in the freedom of speech, and in freedom. Everyday is about celebrating the inherent value found when we least expect it. I know I am grateful for the encouragement and support from friends and family. Life without them would be no life at all.

On the other hand the Fourth of July can also bring up family issues not coinciding with the spirit of the holiday. What should be a joyous occasion can be touch and go, as some try to remember what it is they are celebrating. And on one of the biggest holidays of the year, it is prudent to question the use of alcohol because it can interfere spending quality time with those closest to you. Also deadly is when issues get pushed down time after time this way, owing that eventually a person functions from this reality. In short family issues won't be solved with a bottle of Mike's Lemonade. Friends are better helping a person celebrate and cope, because at least they respond back when talked to. Even then values and beliefs no matter the source are meant to be guidelines and not law.

I learned from my friend working the tables and me, that there is a difference between being cultured and culture. While some think of traditional culture as a stagnant noun similar to cult, others remember the action inherent in the word. Therefore culture can also be a verb of action like cultivate. For example a pearl can be cultured and a flower cultivated with water, air, and sunshine. So if a person's tradition is to belittle the culture he is a part of, like it or not, then maybe it is time for a new one beckoning change. Now I don't know about the rest of you, but I prefer to think culture is action, instead of some authoritarian drone telling me what I can think, do, and believe. It is the freedom in choosing culture and cultural relativity that is a cause for celebration this Fourth of July. Happy Fourth of July everyone!