November 20, 2010

I have taught English as a Second Language for many years.  I teach a Speech Lab class in which students watch videos designed to promote discussion. Last night we watched the video about Thanksgiving.  It gives some historical background on the Pligrims and Native Americans, and then it shows mini-interviews with Americans from different states telling what they do on Thanksgiving.  I hate to admit it, but I'm always a little embarrassed at how boring our holiday seems! Many of the Americans interviewed state that they eat a big dinner, and then they watch football or a movie, or play board games. After that, they eat again! My Hispanic students shake their heads in amazement over how subdued this "celebration" seems.  I always ask them how they spend Thanksgiving, and they report that after their dinner (which often includes turkey and rice), they dance! Last night I asked how many of them dance on Thankgiving.  Every hand went up.  They are incredulous that no dancing takes place at my house.  When I tell them I can't imagine my family dancing together, I can tell that they feel sorry for me.  How is it we Americans never acquired the dancing tradition? I was thinking this morning that I've never seen my father dance.  At the end of the class, I encouraged them to try the pumpkin pie this year.  They encouraged me to dance.  So, here it is.  I challenge Americans to fight the urge to sleep after dinner this Thanksgiving, turn up the music, and put on your dancing shoes. Let me know how that goes.