Here at OC, we are struck by how often we end up in everyday conundrums. The ones that land you in the thick of semi (or full-blown) awkwardness, or maybe, the doghouse.
So, we turned to Simon Collins, the dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons, who after six years in his plum perch, just announced plans to step down at the end of this year. Translation: More time to divulge lessons on how to play nice this Turkey Day...
Q: Holiday shopping season is here. Is taking the actual day of Thanksgiving, a time-honored family holiday, as the time to jostle crowds for your discounted flat-screen TV kind of gauche?
It depends on your family, doesn’t it? For so many of us, Thanksgiving involves hours of delay (approx. 24) in a poorly catered airport followed by hours crammed into a seat fit for a five year old (approx. 2-3), ignored or insulted by the in-flight crew. They really would prefer that you didn't fly with them. Once at your destination, you’re forced to consume a meal made from agro-corp-crap from the local mega-mall-market.
And once you’ve had your stomach pumped, it’s time for the inevitable argument with the parents. Why didn’t you study more? Why did you marry that asshole/tramp? Why don’t you call more often? When are you going to sort out your life? and so on. And, if that doesn’t put you over the edge, then try turning on the television.
Two days of that and the only thing you’re thankful for is the exit strategy. For the unfortunate, yes, I do recommend the flat-screen TV quest—it’s healthier for your mind and body.
Of course that’s not how you and I feel though, is it? We’re lucky enough—and educated enough—to know that a public holiday that encourages you to spend time with the people you love, and who won’t be there forever, is to be embraced and enjoyed. Drink a little too much, eat a little too much, and if you need a rest, take some James Bond DVDs (Connery or Craig), or, wait for it... have a conversation with your parents. You might find that they’re as smart as you think you are.
One thing though: please don’t ask me when the English celebrate Thanksgiving.
Q: Speaking of people you love, what is the modern-day definition of "family"?
It’s true you can’t always choose your family, and some of them are proper horror show. But, there are 1.) the partners and lovers that you choose 2.) the parents who did their best for you even if you don't realise it, and 3.) those people who you’ve picked up along the way that don’t appear on your family tree, but cross the world for you. The fact is, family is whoever you love, and not those you don’t. It turns out that in spite of opinions to the contrary, you can choose your family. And they don’t fuck you up. (If you want to know what a wholesome family looks like, click here.)![]()
Simon Collins
So, we turned to Simon Collins, the dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons, who after six years in his plum perch, just announced plans to step down at the end of this year. Translation: More time to divulge lessons on how to play nice this Turkey Day...
Q: Holiday shopping season is here. Is taking the actual day of Thanksgiving, a time-honored family holiday, as the time to jostle crowds for your discounted flat-screen TV kind of gauche?
It depends on your family, doesn’t it? For so many of us, Thanksgiving involves hours of delay (approx. 24) in a poorly catered airport followed by hours crammed into a seat fit for a five year old (approx. 2-3), ignored or insulted by the in-flight crew. They really would prefer that you didn't fly with them. Once at your destination, you’re forced to consume a meal made from agro-corp-crap from the local mega-mall-market.
And once you’ve had your stomach pumped, it’s time for the inevitable argument with the parents. Why didn’t you study more? Why did you marry that asshole/tramp? Why don’t you call more often? When are you going to sort out your life? and so on. And, if that doesn’t put you over the edge, then try turning on the television.
Two days of that and the only thing you’re thankful for is the exit strategy. For the unfortunate, yes, I do recommend the flat-screen TV quest—it’s healthier for your mind and body.
Of course that’s not how you and I feel though, is it? We’re lucky enough—and educated enough—to know that a public holiday that encourages you to spend time with the people you love, and who won’t be there forever, is to be embraced and enjoyed. Drink a little too much, eat a little too much, and if you need a rest, take some James Bond DVDs (Connery or Craig), or, wait for it... have a conversation with your parents. You might find that they’re as smart as you think you are.
One thing though: please don’t ask me when the English celebrate Thanksgiving.
Q: Speaking of people you love, what is the modern-day definition of "family"?
It’s true you can’t always choose your family, and some of them are proper horror show. But, there are 1.) the partners and lovers that you choose 2.) the parents who did their best for you even if you don't realise it, and 3.) those people who you’ve picked up along the way that don’t appear on your family tree, but cross the world for you. The fact is, family is whoever you love, and not those you don’t. It turns out that in spite of opinions to the contrary, you can choose your family. And they don’t fuck you up. (If you want to know what a wholesome family looks like, click here.)
Simon Collins