Analysis
The Parade as a Uniquely American Spectacle



Like all forms of large-scale celebration, parades are deeply rooted in culture. By its very nature a parade cannot escape being a reflection of the culture it exists in, for a parade is a spectacle specifically designed to appeal to the sentiments, memories, and appetites of its audience. Thus each element of a given parade reveals something about the culture it caters to, making parades useful subjects in the study of a culture. Furthermore, nothing exists in a vacuum, so one must consider not only what a parade reflects about a culture, but also the effects of that reflection on the culture. This said, it is appropriate to explore the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for its reflection of and role in American culture.

Now and throughout its history, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has reigned as America’s parade. Widely viewed and world-renowned, it has cemented itself as an American tradition in a way that none of its contemporaries, past or present, have been able to.

In writings about the parade, one cannot escape the language of “America;” it is described as an “American tradition” that “celebrates America,” and that is “as much a slice of Americana

as a platter of turkey.”[1] The abundance of such language testifies to the widely accepted understanding that there is something uniquely American about the event.

In part, this understanding is based in the fact that the parade is held on one of the most significant (uniquely) American holidays: Thanksgiving. The celebration of Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in American identity, as it is traced back to the pilgrims and Native Americans, who together form our image of the first Americans. The fact that the parade takes place on the day specially reserved for the celebration of Thanksgiving implies that it is itself a celebration of American heritage and tradition.

Further evidence of the parade's American identity is the fact that when watching the parade, Americans recognize in its elements their own experiences, sentiments and desires. There is scarcely a single float, balloon, performer, or other feature in the parade’s 79-year history that does not offer some information about the atmosphere in which it appeared. Every year the parade provides dozens of reflections of American entertainment and consumer preferences, cultural values, history, and current events.

Reflection is only half the story, though. In reflecting elements of America, the parade also communicates to its audience what it means to be American. That is, by offering a proud portrayal of America it also sends messages about what America should be and who Americans should be. In particular, by way of its portrayal of cultural values, the parade acts as an enforcer of the contemporary American image.

This site examines some of the specific ways in which America and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade have influenced each other over time. For a more detailed account of this influence throughout the parade's lifespan, please continue on to the History section. For a discussion of the parade's reflection of and contribution to holiday commercialism in America, please visit the section titled "The Parade and the Commercialization of Christmas."

____________________________
[Images]
Liberty statue image courtesy of: <http://www.scottdecker.com/new_york_city/pictures_november_22_2001.html>

____________________________
[Citations]
[1] David Moin, "Macy’s Annual Parade Ready for High Gear," WWD: InfoTrac Business Index ASAP, November 2001, <http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/698/579/99340445w3/purl=rc1_BIM_0_A80> (6 December 2005).