We have heard scholars, educators, and
politicians refer to the merging of cultures in the United States as a “salad
bowl”. Others have used the term “gumbo”
to describe this melding of cultures which is one of the greatest strengths of
this democracy.
The recent 2024 national conventions by the
Republican and Democratic parties were full of excitement and enthusiasm to
nominate their respective presidential candidates, but there was a distinct
difference in how that excitement and enthusiasm was presented.
The Republican convention was more traditional and reminiscent of conventions of the past. It was presented as a bowl of salad: a
variety of ingredients mixed together, not necessarily chosen to enhance one
another’s flavor, but to compliment. Salads
are served cold, and are generally accompanied by dressing to add flavor.
The Democratic convention was fresh, inclusive,
and upbeat. It was presented as a bowl
of gumbo: a variety of ingredients, specifically chosen to enhance the flavor
of all of the ingredients while simmering in the roux. A bowl of gumbo is expected to be spicy,
flavorful, and hot, and the Democratic convention was all of that. The speakers were diverse and inclusive. The topics were varied and touching. The entertainment was on-point and unprecedented. All of the elements flowed together, each one
enhancing the other. It was a
well-produced, well-organized television show.
So, I suspect there are many who left the
Republican convention satisfied by what they experienced, and are still
enthused and excited. For them, the salad
bowl experience worked. I also suspect
that there are many who left the Democratic convention full, enthused, and
excited from their gumbo experience. It
will be interesting to see which dish prevails.
I’m not sure that a salad can stand up against the spice, heat, and flavor
of a bowl of gumbo.
S. A. Miller
8.25.2024
