William Penn Life, 2014 (49. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2014-01-01 / 1. szám
Tibor's Take The second half of the performance was just as impressive as the first. As the curtain fell to end the performance, the gentleman thanked my sister and me for answering his many questions. We exchanged business cards, and he thanked me once again for my ambassadorial skills in portraying the romantic allure of Hungary. As we parted, he shook my hand and said he would visit Hungary next year. Later that night, I thought about what I had just experienced. I thought about a particular word my new acquaintance has used: "ambassador." The word kept repeating itself in my head. After more contemplation and formulahon, I concluded there are many enlightened American-Hungarians out there with an ecumenical mind-set concerning our heritage. Together, we follow the credo: "No matter what the event, as long as it is Magyar we will support the endeavor." I realized that these people are emissaries for anything Hungarian. Thus my idea about "cultural ambassadors" arose, from the hazy mist of a mind's twilight wanderings. With this in mind, I thought more about experiences I had over the past summer. Three events in particular came to mind. The first was the Gulyás Cook Off held on Father's Day. Most people in attendance were not Hungarian. Some came because of media exposure. Many others, however, patronized this event because of word of mouth endorsements passed on by cultural ambassadors. Many attendees were interested in the cultural and gastronomical aspects of Magyar-style gulyás. My siblings and I were proud representatives at this cooking competition and answered scores of questions covering a wide spectrum of Hungarian culture, history and cooking. A second event attended by many non-Magyars was held at The Mall in Washington, D.C. This gathering was sponsored in part by The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as well as the Balassi Institute. Held during late June and early July, this festival offered a showcase for Hungarian culture. Although I could not be a part of this event, I understand that most people in attendance came to learn about the people and culture of Hungary. Once again, cultural ambassadors represented our people in an admirable fashion. Finally, in late August, 29 ethnic groups participated in The One World Day celebration at The Cleveland Cultural Gardens. A majority of the 10,000 people in attendance were not Hungarian, and all were exposed to the many diverse cultures of the community. My family also participated in the One World Festival, representing the Magyar Gardens. (See the July 2013 issue for more information on the Hungarian Garden). My brother played the cimbalom, and my sister baked and decorated red, white and green cookies. These sweet treats were given to children who accompanied their parents on this lovely Sunday afternoon. My family made more than five gallons of gulyás, much of which we gave to visitors as a "thank you" for coming to visit the garden. Many times American-Hungarians spend too much time and effort preaching to the choir, myself included. Furthermore, I sometimes think that we Magyars too often focus our energies inward, especially on how we organize, plan and execute events. By its very nature, a foreign culture is intimidating to the outsider. It's a bewildering frenzy of language, customs, history, food and tradition. To this end, I think we Hungarians trend too far into opacity. I worry when I hear Hungarians say that our events should only be for Hungarians, forgetting about anyone else. In a nation built on multiculturalism, such insularity will spell doom for our community. Worse yet, such insularity is historically inaccurate: Hungarians have traditionally mingled with other cultures—Slovenes, Slovaks, Germans, Croats, Romanians, and others—both in the homeland and here in America. The beautiful cultural traditions of our heritage are not ours alone. They should be shared and spread throughout the world because our customs embody classic themes of community, love, conflict and hope in our own unique terms. That fact alone makes "cultural ambassadors" a necessity. I am often reminded that it is usually not a grandiose melting-pot design that produces greater learning and understanding, but rather the small, everyday acts of people who go out of their way to share bits of their culture with each other. Granted, such evangelization should be tempered with prudence and class: just as we American- Hungarians revile aggressive cultural proselytizers, we must be careful to not become what we detest. Therefore, during the coming year, I will be focusing my energies and my "Take" outward, working on the principles of inclusion, transparency and community. Instead of directing my creative energy inward, I will attempt to reach out to not only non-Hungarians but also those in our community who may be alienated, disinterested or disenfranchised. I will become an ambassador for my cultural community, and I encourage you all to do the same. / Elien a Magyar! Tibor II Tibor Check Jr. is a member of Branch 28 Youngstown, Ohio, and a student at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. He serves as a host of the “Souvenirs of Hungary” weekly radio show broadcast on WKTL-90.7 FM in Struthers, Ohio. Let's hear your take Let me know how you enjoy my thoughts and views on growing up Hungarian Style. If you have any questions or comments about me or my column, please email me at: silverkingl937@yahoo.com, or drop me a letter in care of the William Penn Association, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. William Penn Life ° January 2014 0 9
