Embracing Your Mental Health & Authenticity on Gentrified Holidays: A Cinco de Mayo Guide
Well it’s that time of year again, an excuse for Americans to drink and be merry. Let’s face it, we like any excuse for a party—but we also give major side eye when faced with inevitable ignorance. Gentrified holidays, such as Cinco de Mayo, often become commercialized and detached from their cultural origins. As people from the marginalized communities tied to these holidays, it can be challenging to navigate and find balance in celebrating our heritage. This blog will focus on how to handle gentrified holidays while prioritizing our mental health, ignoring ignorance, and allowing ourselves grace to participate as an act of defiance.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Celebrating gentrified holidays can feel like walking on a tightrope between embracing one's culture and succumbing to commercialization. However, it's important to prioritize our mental health and personal well-being.
Here are some ways to focus on mental health during gentrified holidays:
Set boundaries: Be clear about what you're comfortable with and what you're not. It's okay to say no to events or activities that don't align with your values.
Engage in self-care: Make time for activities that bring you joy and peace. This could be as simple as taking a walk, meditating, or indulging in your favorite treat.
Seek support: Surround yourself with people who understand your feelings and share your perspectives. This can be family, friends, or even online communities.
Ignoring Ignorance
It's inevitable that you may encounter people who are ignorant about the true meaning and origins of a gentrified holiday. Rather than feeling obliged to educate others, focus on enjoying the celebration in your own way.
Some tips for ignoring ignorance during gentrified holidays:
Practice selective engagement: Choose when and with whom you want to engage in conversations about the holiday. It's not your responsibility to educate everyone you meet.
Focus on the positive: Surround yourself with positive messages and experiences related to the holiday. This could include cultural events, music, or art.
Remember your worth: Your cultural heritage is not defined by the ignorance of others. Stand tall in your knowledge and let go of any negativity.
Grace and Defiance: Participating in Gentrified Holidays
Allowing yourself the grace to participate in a gentrified holiday can be a powerful act of defiance. By celebrating the holiday authentically, you're making a statement and reclaiming the narrative. I also don’t necessarily think we need to be triggered and angry while everyone else is happy. Holding on to your joy is an act of defiance.
How to participate with grace and defiance:
Celebrate authentically: Learn about the true meaning of the holiday and incorporate it into your celebrations. This might involve attending traditional events or making culturally specific foods.
Create your own traditions: Personalize the holiday by combining aspects of the original celebration with your own unique twists.
Share your experience: Use social media or personal connections to showcase your authentic celebrations, inspiring others to do the same.
Handling gentrified holidays like Cinco de Mayo can be challenging, but by focusing on our mental health, ignoring ignorance, and allowing ourselves grace to participate as an act of defiance, we can reclaim the narrative and celebrate our heritage authentically. Remember that it's not your responsibility to educate others, and prioritize your well-being during these holidays. Let your authentic celebration be your act of defiance, and take pride in your cultural roots.
