Having actually lived in New Orleans for nearly eight years – after growing up in Cleveland – I am deeply disturbed by Birol’s suggestion that Cleveland be more like New Orleans in having “fun” with Mardi Gras. Indeed, as he argues quite persuasively in his own commentary, this big, regional celebration clearly has done nothing for the people of New Orleans: “Yet, Greater New Orleans is one of our nation's poorest regions, with high rates of unemployment, illiteracy, and violent crime. The local economy is overly dependent on the “smokestack” industries of gas and oil, and the relentless humidity combines with particulates to create air quality worthy of hell. (In New Orleans, for much of the year, lungs don't breathe; they drink.) Known for its brutal politics and murder rates, the city simply doesn't have a lot to be thankful for. Except Mardi Gras.” Give me a break! Mardi Gras is the opium of the masses – it thrives because the region and multitudes of its citizens are so oppressed. How else to escape the every day, brutal reality that their public education system is in shambles, their beautiful neighborhoods are literally crumbling apart and the local economy is shrinking and becoming more dependant on “adult fun” businesses such as gambling, drinking and stripping that result in no real net-gain to the community (actually the “smokestack” industries are gone or are leaving and the economy is in the midst of a crisis borne by diminished tourism post 9-11). While I love much of what New Orleans and southern sensibilities have to offer (i.e. rich local music, uniquely delicious food, an authentic literary voice, vibrant arts, etc.), racing to the bottom of a rum-filled nudie go-cup is not it. We can do better – far better.from Cool Cleveland reader Gabriella Celeste gabriellac@aol.com
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