Today is a day for reflection and remembrance. It’s a day where we’re supposed to put aside differences to pay tribute to those who’ve sacrificed everything for a world where there can be barbecues, parades, and people enjoying the start of summer in happiness and peace.
I’m always fascinated by the threads of American culture which pull people together despite whatever surface differences which might get in the way. We are a pluralistic society, and not a single monolithic culture. We are an amalgam of many, many different cultures, whether in a melting pot or salad bowl, which form a diverse collective identity. It's a collective identity that is constantly changing, evolving, and growing. And while this has caused misunderstandings, prejudices, and resentments over the years, it's also a source of our strength.
All of this got me to thinking about something which defines the Memorial Day experience, and what came to mind is the idea of the cross-country family road trip. At this very moment, there are estimated to be more than 38 million Americans somewhere on a highway going to or from some destination, hopefully enjoying their vacation. Doing these sorts of trips have probably changed considerably since I was a kid with smartphones and tablets to keep people entertained, instead of trying to find some fun in looking at license plates and traffic signs. But moreover, I find it interesting how this kind of experience both informs and reflects American attitudes about the automobile being a symbol of personal freedom, and the idea roads and interstates are a gateway to adventure.
So this Memorial Day I’m gonna talk about bad cars, horrible drivers, and some of the bumpy roads many families have endured.