The Order of Myths
posted February 25, 2020 #
Today is Fat Tuesday, the Mardi Gras celebration that signals the last night of going absolutely nuts before you slide into Ash Wednesday and Lent; where you traditionally fast in some way or another. It's all steeped in religious history which I'm sure a lot of people care about but, for my social circle, it's more about an excuse to indulge.
However, it would be remiss not to learn a little about the history of Mardi Gras within the United States. While it is traditionally associated with New Orleans because of its French heritage, it actually officially began in Mobile, AL. Unsurprisingly, it's also steeped in racism - particularly in Mobile where they have two parades, one for white people and one for African-Americans.
The documentary The Order of Myths captures one year of this celebration in Mobile, following the two Queens from the racially divided parades. I won't give it away but the twist of the relationship between them is.. unnerving.
History is rarely a forgiving educator but it's good to be aware of these things still happening around us.
However, it would be remiss not to learn a little about the history of Mardi Gras within the United States. While it is traditionally associated with New Orleans because of its French heritage, it actually officially began in Mobile, AL. Unsurprisingly, it's also steeped in racism - particularly in Mobile where they have two parades, one for white people and one for African-Americans.
The documentary The Order of Myths captures one year of this celebration in Mobile, following the two Queens from the racially divided parades. I won't give it away but the twist of the relationship between them is.. unnerving.
History is rarely a forgiving educator but it's good to be aware of these things still happening around us.