Podcast Summary: "My Mama Told Me"
Episode: Kwanzaa Is On The Come Up! (with Al Jackson)
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Hosts: Langston Kerman and David Gborie
Guest: Al Jackson

Introduction

In this festive holiday episode of My Mama Told Me, comedians Langston Kerman and David Gborie are joined by guest Al Jackson to explore the rising prominence of Kwanzaa. The discussion delves into the cultural significance of Kwanzaa, its potential to gain mainstream recognition, and the challenges it faces in a landscape dominated by established holidays like Christmas and Juneteenth.

Kwanzaa’s Cultural Significance and Origins

Al Jackson begins by sharing his personal connection to Kwanzaa, highlighting the lack of exposure he and others had during their upbringing. He reflects:

Al Jackson [20:31]: "My relationship with Kwanzaa has been slight to nonexistent most of my life."

Jackson credits his progressive mother for introducing him to Kwanzaa in the 1980s, a time when the festival was not widely recognized or celebrated outside certain communities. He emphasizes the holiday's core principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

The Evolution of Kwanzaa’s Popularity

The hosts discuss the potential trajectory of Kwanzaa's popularity, drawing parallels with the recent mainstream adoption of Juneteenth. Langston Kerman raises concerns about the rapid commercialization and dilution of cultural significance:

David Gborie [78:38]: "But, yeah, this is gonna be popular. But it's like, that's the same thing with Kwanzaa. Is Kwanzaa gonna morph into pumpkin pie or is it gonna stay sweet potato pie?"

They ponder whether Kwanzaa will maintain its cultural integrity or become another commodified holiday stripped of its original meanings.

Comparison with Other Holidays

The conversation shifts to comparing Kwanzaa with other significant holidays:

• Christmas: Discussed as a deeply ingrained tradition that may be losing its sentimental value among younger generations due to the overabundance of gifts and the immediacy brought by online shopping.

  Al Jackson [22:32]: "Now the immediacy. My kids get up on Christmas morning like a hungover dad. Like, they don't care about their Halloween candy. They don't care about Christmas."

• Juneteenth: Highlighted as a holiday that gained national recognition recently, emphasizing the role of social media and public advocacy in its rising prominence.

  Al Jackson [33:09]: "But to that point, Juneteenth is now. It seems pretty ubiquitous."

• Pride: Used as an example of how cultural celebrations can be embraced widely, sometimes leading to tension within the communities that originated them.

  David Gborie [80:21]: "Look how crossover straight white ladies love. Pride and straight white guys go to pride because straight white ladies are at pride."

The Role of Social Media and Popular Culture

Social media's influence on the spread and transformation of cultural holidays is a crucial topic. The hosts discuss how platforms like TikTok can both amplify and distort the meanings of holidays:

David Gborie [36:01]: "It reminds me a little bit. I've been watching the Menendez brothers stuff. [...] But part of the reason that the Menendez brothers are now getting like this, this new trial, was in part because a bunch of TikTok kids started unpacking their story."

They explore the idea that while social media can democratize cultural narratives, it can also lead to oversimplification and misrepresentation.

Challenges and Concerns about Co-opting and Commodification

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the risks associated with Kwanzaa gaining widespread popularity:

• Cultural Dilution: The fear that Kwanzaa's profound cultural roots may be overshadowed by superficial celebrations devoid of their original intent.

  Langston Kerman [78:44]: "It's a constant struggle."

• Commercial Exploitation: Concerns about corporations co-opting Kwanzaa for profit, similar to how other cultural elements have been commercialized.

  David Gborie [81:44]: "But it's more of an American thing... it's like what's being offered up in culture that isn't eventually going to be co-opted by corporations."

• Maintaining Authenticity: The hosts debate whether Kwanzaa can retain its authenticity while seeking broader acceptance.

  Al Jackson [55:58]: "But until she can come with a real argument for what our belief is, I'm not buying this shit until she does."

Personal Anecdotes and Stories

Throughout the episode, personal stories and anecdotes are shared to illustrate broader themes:

• Transitioning Generations: Both hosts reflect on how their perceptions and celebrations of holidays have evolved with changing times and societal norms.

  Langston Kerman [70:52]: "It's tough because I recently realized I ran out of, like, all the knowledge I acquired from reading in my youth."

• Cultural Practices in Different Eras: Discussions about how cultural practices and societal expectations have shifted over the years, impacting how holidays are celebrated.

  David Gborie [67:14]: "What the slip and slide all stars."

Conclusion: Hosts’ Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Langston and David express cautious optimism about Kwanzaa's future. They hope that Kwanzaa can grow in prominence without losing its cultural essence, serving as a unifying force within the Black community:

Langston Kerman [81:36]: "I pray that Kwanzaa somehow becomes the miracle holiday. If there is a miracle inside of Kwanzaa, I think the miracle would be Kwanzaa, by some miracle being the first holiday that remains at its core fully black, but also gains the popularity that it deserves in unifying black people."

They acknowledge the fine balance between embracing a cultural holiday and protecting its foundational principles from becoming mere commercialized festivities.

Notable Quotes:

• Al Jackson [22:32]: "Now the immediacy. My kids get up on Christmas morning like a hungover dad. Like, they don't care about their Halloween candy. They don't care about Christmas."

• David Gborie [80:21]: "Look how crossover straight white ladies love. Pride and straight white guys go to pride because straight white ladies are at pride."

• Langston Kerman [81:36]: "I pray that Kwanzaa somehow becomes the miracle holiday. If there is a miracle inside of Kwanzaa, I think the miracle would be Kwanzaa, by some miracle being the first holiday that remains at its core fully black, but also gains the popularity that it deserves in unifying black people."

This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting the main discussions on Kwanzaa's cultural importance, its potential mainstream adoption, and the associated challenges. Notable quotes are included to emphasize key insights and perspectives shared by the hosts and guest.