Post by gretchenm on Nov 21, 2008 19:03:58 GMT -5
Thomas Boldt, The Calgary Sun, Alberta, Canada
11/21/08
One has to squint to see a tiny turkey holding a sign that reads “Give Thanks”. It stands with wide eyes and upraised foot in front of a semi-truck with the words “XMAS SALES” in big, green letters. Green can stand for traditional Christmas colors, or more likely it represents the stores wanting money. An old man driving the truck is probably Santa. The truck takes up most of the picture, and with bright colors is eye catching. Honking the horn suggests the hurried atmosphere, where major holidays like Christmas make Thanksgiving seem less important. Thanksgiving is paired with it “Black Friday”, which is the term for the official beginning of the holiday season. Black represents profit, whereas red would be losses. The colors stem from when retailers wrote the figures by hand, and would use black ink and red ink. The difference in the plain turkey and new, modern truck suggest the advancement of society, and the comparison seems to have negative reference to the modern day. The cartoonist shows the bitter irony of American traditions, being grateful and being greedy.
I see a large wooden sign on my way to school every day that states “blank number of days til Christmas.” It stands noticeably in front of a huge house with thousands of Christmas lights on bushes and everywhere. The sign was put up in the beginning of November. It is wonderful to have holidays right around the corner, but for some it seems a big hassle because of the recession. One might decide to make a present for a loved one. Gee, what an idea. Some are glad to get a day off of school next Friday to watch football and shop for sales. Unlike the other days off, next Friday we have a feast, and we “feast, feast, feast, feast, feast”. That’s what the plan is anyways. For some it is a hard time. One is grateful for many things like one’s life, family, and health, but things could improve. Stores are excitingly awaiting that boost, and we know they need it. The big picture is not about those trivial things. Greater is the need to find charity, renew love, and enjoy one’s family, the greatest gift of all.
