Those of you in the Carleton sphere already know about this Friday’s symposium, entitled “Confronting Katrina: How should we respond?”. Carleton is cancelling classes (a scandalously momentous event) to provide a day of reflection, discussion, and celebration.

I have no doubt that Carleton will put on a most noble academic discussion of the events surrounding Katrina. We are very good at that, though we are as susceptible as all people to neglect our duty. I applaud the administration for taking a bold step to prompt this discussion, and I expect to be enlightened by it. I fear only for the cause of celebration.

The problem with holding an event like this is that it is necessarily burdened with extra pomp and weight. We pay for our sins–cancelling class–with this social burden. Like calling in sick to work, the worst thing one can do is take his lapse with anything but the utmost seriousness. Enjoyment, in short, is not supposed to be on the agenda.

However, the truth is we have a lot to celebrate. New Orleans has had an impact on our cultural heritage that rivals anyplace else. If only through the lens of disaster, I believe we most of us now understand that more than ever before. Yet this heritage is perilous. Our landmarks might be washed away, yes, but more importantly, if we don’t reflect on our cultural heritage, we lose it. We honor the city of New Orleans by celebrating the things that make it special.

Nowhere do they understand this as well as in New Orleans itself. Last January, only months before Hurricane Katrina devastated the city, I had the fortune to attend Lindy Gras, a swing dancing event hosted by the dancers of New Orleans. After Katrina, most of us assumed that the event would not continue. However, Keith, the event’s head, understood the essence of New Orleans far better than I. His message truly inspired me:

I know many of you are wondering when, or even if we intend to hold Lindy Gras this year.

A few weeks ago, there was a story out of D.C. regarding the cancellation of an annual Mardi Gras Ball. According to the organizers, the cancellation of the event was out of respect to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. After reading that story, the first thing I thought was, wow, I guess they really don’t get it.

In a city that remembers and honors those who have passed by rejoicing and reveling in the streets, how could we stand idly by and not oblige tradition?

Lindy Gras will go on and we intend to keep the original dates of February 9-12, 2006, (Thursday - Sunday).

More details will follow soon.

It is in this spirit that I implore people not to forget that this Friday is a cause for celebration too. Come to hear the Jack Brass Band and be inspired by the music. Discover the intricacies of Sidney Bechet’s blues on KRLX. Check out the artwork. Take my free dance lesson! Just please, don’t forget that celebration is tribute.

I believe that to understand the peculiar ironies of joy and sorrow is to understand what New Orleans is all about.

Posted on March 29th, 2006 by Lee
Filed under: Uncategorized