Podcast Summary: The Charlie Kirk Show – "A THOUGHTCRIME Thanksgiving"

Release Date: November 28, 2024
Host: Charlie Kirk
Guests: Blake, Tyler, Dan
Episode Title: A THOUGHTCRIME Thanksgiving

Introduction: Embracing Thanksgiving Traditions

In the episode titled "A THOUGHTCRIME Thanksgiving," host Charlie Kirk, alongside his co-hosts Blake, Tyler, and Dan, delves into the rich tapestry of Thanksgiving traditions. The discussion centers around the quintessential elements of the Thanksgiving meal, the evolution of Black Friday, and a nostalgic look at pre-digital era rites of passage.

Traditional Thanksgiving Fare: Upholding Authenticity

The conversation begins with a spirited debate on what constitutes a proper Thanksgiving meal. The hosts emphasize the importance of traditional dishes, advocating for turkey as the centerpiece.

• Turkey vs. Steak:
  Charlie Kirk asserts, “No, no, no marshmallows. The marshmallow thing is a disgrace” (10:54). The group debates the acceptability of serving steak, with Dan firmly stating, “You must have Turkey” (09:36), highlighting the supremacy of turkey in the Thanksgiving feast.

• Cranberry Sauce:
  The hosts discuss the authenticity of cranberry sauce, insisting it should be “straight out of the can” without any alterations. Charlie emphasizes, “If you want to have the cranberry, no, no, no, no, no” (11:17), underscoring the tradition of serving it as is.

• Stuffing vs. Dressing:
  A detailed discussion unfolds around the terminology and preparation of stuffing. Tyler questions the difference, leading Charlie to clarify, “I never said casserole. The casserole is a…” (16:34), emphasizing the proper preparation techniques to maintain authenticity.

• Additional Dishes:
  The conversation extends to other sides like green beans and sweet potatoes, where Charlie critiques modern additions like marshmallows, advocating for traditional methods: “Gravy makes it moist. If you make it too moist before, you can always make it more gravy” (15:27).

Black Friday: From Tradition to Modern Chaos

Transitioning from the meal, the hosts examine the transformation of Black Friday over the years.

• Historical Perspective:
  Charlie reminisces about the gritty origins of Black Friday, where securing deals required endurance and strategy: “There was like a conquest, like a chess game” (27:30).

• Modern Decline:
  The shift from physical store rushes to online shopping is critiqued. Blake shares his experience: “One of my first jobs was in high school... and there would be a line wrapped around the building” (31:09), contrasting it with the current state of Black Friday’s decline due to the internet and corporate greed.

• Cultural Impact:
  The hosts lament the loss of the traditional Black Friday spirit, highlighting how convenience has overshadowed the ritual: “Now you just wait for Cyber Monday and click a couple buttons” (28:14).

Nostalgia for Pre-Digital Rites of Passage

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to reminiscing about the pre-digital age, emphasizing the loss of meaningful social interactions and challenges that fostered personal growth.

• Communication Evolution:
  The discussion touches on the bygone days of AOL Instant Messenger and the necessity of memorizing phone numbers: “There was no texting. It didn’t exist” (34:33).

• Navigational Skills:
  The group reflects on the importance of manual navigation before GPS became ubiquitous: “There is no other explanation... your brain can actually become better at a certain task” (41:36).

• Social Interactions:
  The hosts highlight how past interactions required speaking to adults and handling disappointments without immediate digital fixes: “When you call someone’s house, you had to speak to an adult” (34:53).

Cultural Significance of Thanksgiving

Charlie Kirk emphasizes Thanksgiving as a cornerstone of American tradition, rooted in gratitude and communal bonding.

• Acknowledging Gratitude:
  “There’s a day where you just stop and you say thank you, which then, of course, acknowledges you’re saying thank you to a higher power” (22:30).

• Historical Context:
  The hosts discuss the establishment of Thanksgiving as a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, highlighting its resilience through cultural wars: “Thanksgiving is a day just to give thanks” (21:43).

• Family Dynamics:
  Tyler and Dan share personal anecdotes about family gatherings, stressing the importance of keeping family traditions intact despite political differences: “It’s horrible that they would do that” (56:20).

Thanksgiving Movies: A Missing Genre

The episode briefly touches on the scarcity of dedicated Thanksgiving movies, lamenting the lack of culturally significant films centered around the holiday.

• Existing Films:
  The hosts mention a few examples like "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" and "Thanks Killing Two," critiquing their lack of widespread impact: “There are no Thanksgiving movies really should should there be more?” (47:57).

• Cultural Overshadowing:
  They argue that Thanksgiving tends to be overshadowed by other holidays in media portrayals: “Thanksgiving is eaten by Christmas” (51:15).

Expressions of Gratitude and Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, the hosts engage in a heartfelt exchange of gratitude, sharing personal thanksgivings and emphasizing the importance of community and family.

• Personal Gratitude:
  Blake shares joyful news about his brother's new child: “I’m very grateful for babies” (54:23).

• Community Appreciation:
  Tyler thanks the Thought Crime audience and highlights the importance of mutual support within their community: “I’m very thankful for Saquon Barkley and the Eagles” (55:52).

• Final Thoughts:
  Charlie Kirk wraps up with a message of gratitude to the listeners and a reminder about upcoming events: “Thanks so much for listening and God bless” (59:07).

Notable Quotes

• Charlie Kirk on Thanksgiving Meal Authenticity:
  “If you don’t like turkey. Suck it up. It’s Thanksgiving” (14:46).

• Dan on Black Friday's Evolution:
  “The rise of the Internet was a factor. But another thing that killed it was companies decided to get so greedy” (26:13).

• Tyler on Pre-Digital Social Interactions:
  “Think about it. You had to call her house, you had to get through mom or potentially dad” (34:28).

• Charlie Kirk on Gratitude:
  “I do not think you can have joy, I do not think you can have being content if you’re not grateful” (22:30).

Conclusion

"A THOUGHTCRIME Thanksgiving" offers a blend of traditional discussions on Thanksgiving practices, critiques of modern consumerism epitomized by Black Friday, and a nostalgic reflection on lost rites of passage in the digital age. Through engaging dialogue and personal anecdotes, Charlie Kirk and his co-hosts advocate for preserving authentic American traditions and fostering gratitude within the community.