Ever go to an event hosted by a
culture different from your own but feel out of place because of the way people
looked (or didn’t look) at you? Well, the Chin National Day celebration is
definitely not one of those events.
Chin National Day (CND) is an annual holiday among the Chin people from Burma and
Burmese-Americans that celebrates democracy, unity and cultural identity. As I
understand it, CND initially focused solely on the political aspect of the Chin
people but over the years has broadened to emphasize the cultural aspect of
being Chin.
The CND celebration I attended
was marked by prayer, commentary, entertainment and lots of food. It’s a
family-oriented affair attended by young and old alike. The evening’s
festivities were simple in production yet culturally rich and colorful – with
many folks dressed in traditional Chin attire. Think ‘family reunion’ with a
fashion theme, except that several hundred folks you don’t even know are there.
As an outsider, it was enlightening to observe the ethnic traditions presented
in the form of music, dancing and other performances.
Despite the large audience, the event
held a uniquely intimate feel. Since I arrived late and theater seating was
limited, I made my way to the rear of the auditorium where dining tables were
set up. The atmosphere back there was less formal and from where I sat, not
only could I enjoy the program on stage, I was able to immerse myself in the
Burmese-American community. What I took away from it all was most instructive.
For instance, you know how
gatherings comprised of relatives that relaxed and comfortable feeling (that
is, before the black sheep of the family arrives), and how even the smallest
kids roam wild and free and parents tend not to fret about where they are or
what they’re doing? That same spirit was present at CND. Adults watched over
and interacted with youngsters doing their high-energy thing. Not out of
control; just exploring and discovering.
As I observed the warm and inclusive
scene, absent was that, ‘keep-your-distance-I-don’t-know-you’ posture found at
other social affairs. In its place was more of a, ‘you felt our culture was significant
enough to be here? Thanks for coming!’.
As one might expect, some of the
teenagers were brash and rambunctious. There also were the obligatory babies
crying. Still, the underpinnings of the event were rooted along a common thread
of unity – among human beings as much as Burmese-Americans in harmony. This is
not to suggest these particular folks lead a quixotic existence. Far from it. I
am told that, as with most communities, Burmese-Americans are steeped in their
share of internal discord. But all of it was absent (at least from an outsider
perspective) from this event, and it felt nourishing to be a part of this
festive and engaging energy.
By contrast, more than a few
local events I go to tend to be standoffish – including some that I am host to.
And although most participating folks work hard to be polite, a person still
can come away feeling like an outsider. It’s as if folks are avoiding really
getting to know each other by ironically being as polite as possible.
After experiencing the good will
‘family’ feeling associated with the CND celebration, I wonder what’s happened
to those of us born here to have acquired or adopted a posture in which we tend
to regard each other with such suspicion these days. Or has it always been like
this?
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