American ideals represent a diverse tapestry that stretches across the North American continent. Each individual holds unique convictions that can vastly differ from those of others. Joe from Santa Fe may have little in common with Joe in South Bend or Joe in South Boston.
For some, the thrill lies in mystical journeys, while others draw inspiration from the thrill of college football games. Yet, there are those who grapple with the constrictive orthodoxies that stifle their spirits.
Before Donald Trump’s emergence on the political scene, the mainstream media adhered to a consistent narrative about America’s struggles, carefully curated through a two-party lens. Any dissenting opinions were filtered out, with only the views approved by the editorial gatekeepers making it to the public.
We were fed a continuous account of the wealthy exploiting the poor, sold the notion that Hillary Clinton was as virtuous as Saint Andrew, and reassured again and again that former President Bill Clinton had our best interests at heart.
However, Trump’s election disrupted this status quo so significantly that major networks found it challenging to maintain their well-rehearsed narratives. They seemed bewildered by the shift.
In truth, the conversations we hear in the media starkly contrast with the America we experience personally each day. Moreover, the overflow of manufactured language and the silencing effect of political correctness can feel both offensive and intolerable.
What You Make of It
We firmly believe that, despite being fed a singular perspective, individuals are fully capable of drawing their own conclusions. People hardly need a government advisory to know how to respond in an emergency. Observations show that human resilience can yield incredible outcomes.
One person may invent a superior mousetrap after years of effort. Another might muster the courage to open his own barbershop. A former underachiever could end up managing a business with thousands of employees. It’s crucial never to underestimate someone driven by a genuine desire to succeed.
Ultimately, the American experience is a canvas for each person to paint in their own way. While no one is immune to setbacks, finding moments of gratitude even in the toughest times can be invaluable.
This unique spirit of thankfulness shines brightly on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you revere the God of the Bible or the God of football, this holiday fosters a collective sense of appreciation.
Even those who may be less inclined to gratitude often take this one day each year to express thanks, regardless of their belief in deserving more. For many, however, a sense of appreciation is critical to their daily existence.
Sinners and Saints
Charle Street in Costa Mesa, California, serves as a refuge for desperate and indigent men—where the transformative process of ego deflation happens, hope is kindled, and miracles occur daily. If you find yourself there, you may be in need of what Carl Jung termed a “spiritual experience.”
On the meeting room wall, one essential truth stands out:
“Grateful people are happy people; those who are not, aren’t.”
This straightforward message carries profound implications. A little daily gratitude can help even the most downtrodden individuals uncover reasons for happiness, reminding us that, even during the hardest times, blessings can be found if we take a moment to reflect.
In spite of the chaos and misinformation around us, cultivating an attitude of gratitude remains an ideal worth pursuing. When faced with challenges, sometimes all it takes is completing a simple task—washing dishes, making the bed—to recognize what we have to be thankful for.
After all, it’s Thanksgiving Day. Regardless of the historical narratives, reflecting on our blessings and the hardships we’ve overcome is appropriate.
Enjoy the moment. Cherish the time spent with loved ones. Savor the feast. Consider offering a warm cup of coffee to someone in need.
Sincerely,
MN Gordon
for Economic Prism
