Thomas Jacobs is an avid writer, Cinema aficionado, and filmmaker. He graduated with Dean’s Honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a major in Film and Digital Media. His passion is directly tied to the appreciation and creation of film and television, and this fact is reflected in his intent to be a writer for the acclaimed entertainment journal, The Hollywood Insider.His beliefs mirror the core goals and mission statement of The Hollywood Insider by sharing an admiration for quality entertainment as well as bolstering a sense of positivity and equality among all humans. Thomas believes that Cinema is an advantageous promoter of civil and social empowerment, and he shares a mutual societal view with The Hollywood Insider, that people should not be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character.
Jun 28, 2022
Photo: Juneteenth
In the United States, much of current civilized existence is predicated on capitalism. Capitalism is king in the West, and many holidays and traditions celebrated in America have strong connections deeply entrenched in the ideal of consumerism. Even the biggest holiday, Christmas, which many Americans observe, has now become more about consumption than beliefs or religious affiliation. In many ways, in the U.S. and the world, affection has become synonymous with how grand or large a present or gift is given or received between people. While this statement is a generalization and is not necessarily always the case, this state of life and the dynamic between capitalism and existence has begun to shape the way Americansociety thinks and lives. In a society driven by monetary gain, it is expected to see a corporate advance into new ways of pushing their products. One of these methods is reflected in the recent federal holiday, Juneteenth, which was established as a holiday last year.
Although, the freedom and independence from centuries-long slavery is the single light that shines in this valley of darkness. Juneteenth is a bitter-sweet holiday, as it is a reminder of not just the freed slaves, but also America’s past and its once socially accepted allowance of the enslavement of a race of humans. A year after 1865, freedmen in Texas held a celebration called, “Jubilee Day.” “In the ensuing decades, Juneteenth commemorations featured music, barbecues, prayer services and other activities, and as Black people migrated from Texas to other parts of the country the Juneteenth tradition spread.” The evil past of this day will forever be linked to the significance of Juneteenth. With that being said, there is a growing public recognition of this day. Perhaps this national holiday can represent the rightful freedom that all people are entitled to rather than the pain and suffering that came as a result of a past society’s inhumanity.
What This Corporate Exploitation Signifies About American Society
The corporate exploitation of Juneteenth signifies the growing issue with Americansociety: it values financial gain above all else. In a nation where corporations and people place the importance on the accruement of currency over respect for the past suffering of the United States’ ancestors, citizens highlight American society’s emotional disconnect. There is a profound disengagement from the harsh reality of the U.S.’s past permittance of slavery and how this nation’s history continues to affect society. Unfortunately, the societal focus on money has led to the desensitization of Americans towards others’ torment. In this nation, much of the focus and agency of freedom is placed upon the individual and their ability to provide for themselves.
This communal viewpoint has led to corporations jumping at the chance to profit off of a holiday that should be honored rather than transformed into another chance for consumerism. The legacy of Juneteenth is symbolic of that of the United States. America’s past is muddled with suffering, yet it is founded upon principles of equality and liberty for all. This same appreciation for the U.S.’s core values should apply to Juneteenth, as this day should inspire pride in all Americans. This day marks the beginning of a national transformation in the country. For the sake of those who suffered the horror of slavery, Juneteenth should be regarded with the respect it deserves, and not the dishonored by becoming just another holiday defined by commodification!
By Thomas Jacobs
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV. media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
Thomas Jacobs is an avid writer, Cinema aficionado, and filmmaker. He graduated with Dean’s Honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a major in Film and Digital Media. His passion is directly tied to the appreciation and creation of film and television, and this fact is reflected in his intent to be a writer for the acclaimed entertainment journal, The Hollywood Insider.His beliefs mirror the core goals and mission statement of The Hollywood Insider by sharing an admiration for quality entertainment as well as bolstering a sense of positivity and equality among all humans. Thomas believes that Cinema is an advantageous promoter of civil and social empowerment, and he shares a mutual societal view with The Hollywood Insider, that people should not be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character.
Thomas Jacobs is an avid writer, Cinema aficionado, and filmmaker. He graduated with Dean’s Honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a major in Film and Digital Media. His passion is directly tied to the appreciation and creation of film and television, and this fact is reflected in his intent to be a writer for the acclaimed entertainment journal, The Hollywood Insider.His beliefs mirror the core goals and mission statement of The Hollywood Insider by sharing an admiration for quality entertainment as well as bolstering a sense of positivity and equality among all humans. Thomas believes that Cinema is an advantageous promoter of civil and social empowerment, and he shares a mutual societal view with The Hollywood Insider, that people should not be judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character.
