Folk Culture Holiday Analysis

1. Pick a holiday that you find particularly interesting that is practiced by the majority of people in the U.S.
Independence day

2. Analyze the messages of the holiday in regards to the valuable and meaningful aspects of life.
To enjoy the freedom our founding fathers wanted us to have
To spend money in order to enjoy this time of peace

3. Consider dress codes, participants, music, activities, food, etc to offer a deeper analysis than merely the "official message" of the holiday.
Country color's "red, white and blue"
Watch the firework show, eat hot dogs or fired food (barbecue's)
this shows how we are suppose to spend money on this day of peace and how we as America should consume more than an average person should on this day with fatty foods. To celebrate the freedom of the while people and not all of us and to draw away their freedom with cheaper products on "sale" and flashy fireworks. Spend time with your family and enjoy the freedom which we have today.

4. Explore contradictory messages within the holiday.
All people are "free" in America from this day on, but it was only attended for white males by the fathers of America, not every race or gender only a small group of people.
Go against oppression but people every day is being oppressed by others in America and we can't fight back against it.

5. Identify aspects of our culture's emphases on "the good and meaningful life" that receive support or challenge from the holiday you've selected.
Be free and don't let the system hold you down. (marginal message) like MLK day to fight against oppression. Like most hoiladays to spend time with your family but to spend it shopping is to spend time away, unless you have family shopping.