Bully-Free Future

San Gennaro

Today’s New York Times featured a story about a common-albeit fading custom-in Italian-American neighborhoods-the parading of a patron saint through the streets.  There are about 20 of these parades in the Little Italy section of New York-the celebration for San Gennaro being the most famous.

The parades have always been an important part of life in this ethic neighborhood-they help keep the spirit and faith of the early Italian immigrants alive.  If you lived in Little Italy, you knew the drill- pay your respects to the elaborately carved statues of the saint being honored by joining the parade, offering money or other tokens of respect. The parades are ”an important cultural event that reaffirms not just faith, but ties to the old neighborhood and the old country,” the article’s author reports

According to the Times the reactions of the Sunday morning crowd along the St. Cono parade route was underwhelming -ranging from mild disinterest to aggravation that the streets were closed for ‘one float and a horrible marching band’. 

Long-term residents believe the newcomers view their traditions with a combination of disdain and curiosity-but not respect.  They say they have moved many of their celebrations inside-they don’t feel that the newcomers appreciate or respect their traditions.  There have been incidents of downright harassment at some of the parades.

I wonder if the ability respect-and enjoy-another’s cultural tradition have gone the way of the horse and buggy. I wonder if we are missing an important way to expose our children to the traditions and cultures of our American melting pot.  I wonder if we are missing the opportunity to teach our kids what it is like to respect the culture and traditions of others.  I worry about what would happen if these wonderful traditions become things of the past.

In a world where we sometimes struggle to stay connected to our traditions and cultures, it seems that the parades provide a lesson to a simpler time where neighbors shared common ground and a commitment to creating a better world for their children. 

The parades-and other traditions like them-are a way for new generation of residents to teach their children about respect for other people, cultures and traditions that shouldn’t be sullied by complaining about road closures and a band that might not win any prizes on American Idol.

The words of astronomer, Dr. Carl Sagan resonate, “You have to know the past to understand the present.”

So when you see the ‘saints go marching in’, join the parade and have fun doing it.  You will be teaching your kids a lesson in respect that is unmatched by any book learning they will ever do!

With Respect,

Deb

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