Nadine Kam has the holiday off. The turkey
By Muon Von
deserves our respectDESPITE what many people think, the debate over the American national bird is still hot and controversial. Sure, no one has mentioned it for a few centuries or so, but that doesn't mean that the last faithful believers should give up now.
That's right, we who believe that the national bird shouldn't be the immigrant, foreign, alien eagle must continue to promote our cause until justice is done.
It was Benjamin Franklin who first proposed that we change the national fowl symbol to the turkey.
Why wasn't the turkey chosen, you ask? Because many people think it's a dumb bird. These same people also think it's fat, ugly, makes rude noises and wobbles clumsily instead of gracefully soaring over golden plains, as the eagle does.
That's why there are cool cars called Jeep Eagles and why it's an insult to call someone a "turkey."
In truth, the Mississippi State University reports, the "wild turkey is prized for its recreation and aesthetic values," and says, "people must work cooperatively to ensure that future generations can enjoy this magnificent bird."
Compare, if you will, the plight of turkeys to the plight of Native Americans.
For years, Native Americans were considered paganistic savages whom "Americans" could push around and abuse. Now, after two centuries of education and political and social awareness, we realize that they claimed this land first.
That is why the government now allots them free land and society regards being born Indian, Hawaiian or Eskimo as an attribute. But did it happen overnight? Yes.
Ha, just kidding. Of course it didn't. It took years of struggle, hardship and many protests for Native Americans to reclaim their rightful honor. And the turkey deserves the same.
Sure, we can perpetuate the ignorant stereotype that turkeys are dumb and ugly and kick their faces in the dirt for a few more centuries, or we can begin to carry out our promises of liberty, justice and freedom for all, regardless of species, phylum or class.
So become a vegetarian. Form turkey support groups. Petition Congress to restore the turkey to its rightful honor. Don't stop until the turkey becomes our official national bird.
Muon Van is a senior at Farrington High School.
The Weekly Eater is celebrating Thanksgiving with a home-cooked meal
at Mom's. Her column will return to this space next week.
Nadine Kam's restaurant reviews run on Thursdays. Reviews are conducted anonymously and paid for by the Star-Bulletin. Star ratings are based on comparisons of similar restaurants:
To recommend a restaurant, write: The Weekly Eater, P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802. Or send e-mail to features@starbulletin.com-- excellent;
