William Penn Life, 2012 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2012-06-01 / 6. szám
Tibor's Take with Tibor Check, Jr. Milestones, a new book, and a new feature A FEW MONTHS BACK, I reached a milestone of sorts when I received my 1,000th comment concerning "Tibor's Take." To be honest, I really don't know the exact number of remarks I've received, but I estimate I reached the 1,000 mark sometime this past February. As I mentioned in earlier columns, I rarely respond. I read them all, but I really don't have the time to answer them all. I have received letters, cards, emails, phone calls and text messages. I have even received flowers and a few invites to Hungarian events. Adding in face-to-face comments told to me at Magyar picnics or affairs put the total way past 1,000. Just like Ivory Soap, 99.9 percent of the comments received are positive. Even the negative responders implore me to keep up with the good work and to continue to write about the subject matter that means most to them. By reading your messages, I have learned that you enjoy it when I discuss things revolving around my parents, siblings and other immediate family members. When I mention the glorious American-Magyar events and functions that were held years ago, many respond with deep emotions. There were a few letters and cards where I could actually see the dried droplets of tears silhouetted on the paper that the message was written upon. Some of my Takes receive little in the way of comments. The two-part Take on finding identity in the 21st Century (August and September 2011) created a lot of anger and frustration in readers. Surprisingly, "The Coffee Pot", "Pink" and "Stewards of Our Hungarian Heritage," were immensely popular. The most commented on Take ************************************************************ Over the years, I have mentioned a few authors, books and movies of Magyar flavor that influenced me as I grew up. Kate Seredy charmed me with her writing and art work in The White Stag, The Good Master, The Singing Tree, was "Tell Me It Is Not So," the story of the closing of all but one Magyar church in the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. Every month, I try to bring you, the readers of William Penn Life, more than one lesson or parable to each excerpt. Sometimes, you have to read the article more than once to get the full gist of the intended message(s). Point to Ponder.... Recently, my family had the extreme pleasure of being part of a great Magyar concert presented by the group Magos. All members of this six-person ensemble were in their early- to mid-twenties. Comprised of a primas, 2nd violin, contra violin, bogo, cimbalom and a female vocalist, this group was pure energy. Magos plays the obscure seminal music of rural Hungary, Transylvania and Slovakia. Back in their native Hungary, Magos has helped establish a musical phenomenon called “Táncház” music. This is a retro-type music that was enjoyed by our forefathers and is quickly becoming the rage at the colleges and in larger urban areas, such as Budapest and Pecs. Last year, Magos was voted as the most popular Táncház group in all of Hungary. I was quite excited to see them in person because for the past two years I have been following their rapid rise in popularity. I now leave you with two points to ponder. First, could a similar phenomenon take place here in the American-Hungarian community? Secondly, are the youth of Hungary becoming more nationalistic as they see not only external pressures being exerted upon the citizens of Hungary by such entities as the European Union but also the forced assimilation of counter culture music and lifestyle norms that erode away the core values of the family structure? Let me know your views on these points. 6 ° June 2012 0 William Penn Life
