Cracker Barrel, the Smithsonian, and the Question Gen Z Needs to Answer

American Thinker ^ | Ethan Watson

[RoosterRedux]

After facing intense public backlash, Cracker Barrel has backed down and reverted to the classic “Old Timer” logo. At the same time, the Trump Administration has turned its focus on the Smithsonian, vowing to withhold funding from any programs that “degrade shared American values” and “divide Americans.” Both culture war issues pivot on one simple question that my generation needs to answer: Do we like America?

People yearn to belong to a national tradition. Nationality encompasses defining characteristics of daily life like language and culture, and we’re most comfortable when we’re situated within a national tradition that’s familiar. That’s why culture shock exists.

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But America is going through some growing pains. Some view America as an emblem of racism and colonialism, while others view it as an unerring force for good. Perhaps neither is entirely accurate, but one thing is certain: Young Americans need to define our identity in such a way that ensures our nation persists. We must do this in every forum, from academia to the family dining room, so that our children inherit a thriving nation and not a hollow shell.

As my generation becomes politically active, we will have to decide how to use public institutions. “Public” institutions should confer some benefit on the public. In the case of the Smithsonian, a federally funded institution, the “public” is the American people. The American people benefit when they’re unified and motivated to sustain America, and they suffer when they’re divided and ashamed of their nation.

To be sure, there’s plenty to praise and plenty to criticize in America’s history. The role of our public institutions must be to present each episode in a way that is both accurate and inspiring, so that visitors universally embrace a simple takeaway: America is a worthy undertaking.

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TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: crackerbarrel

[Nateman]

Great music video about Cracker Barrel

https://x.com/bac37/status/1959438160573632575

[rarestia]

There is hope shining through in our nation’s youth. I pray they continue to fight for what they see as culturally significant American exceptionalism.

[plangent]

Large culture problem exists when bringing in people who have grown up in traditions of slovenly third world “broken windows” environments of casual regard for others, lack of charity, toleration of unkempt surroundings, exploitation of unwary customers, grift and bribery in public office, theft and cheating in the marketplace, etc. This list can go on for pages.

Very few of these people want to shake off the old ways and learn a new “national tradition.’ They insulate their old ways in “No-Go zones” of isolated communities and look at their surroundings as hunting grounds.

[Highest Authority]

Here’s a thought: if you don’t like it here. .. get the he!! out

[AbolishCSEU]

And a huge lack of self control/willpower.

[No name given]

Well said.

[castlebrew]

Seconded.

[stanne]

Why blame Gen Z?

We allowed this hatred to be taught in their schools, not them

Gen z was taught in school to hate America and to rat on their parents

The gen z people I know rebel as taught but that’s not rebellion. They were following instructions and they enjoyed it. But they want to love America and family

They didn’t screw up marketing with Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel has been losing value for a while now. People don’t want greasy food. Have they heard of the cholesterol crisis?(to quote a 90’s movie)

They didn’t switch the Smithsonian exhibits. Not without boomer approval

[nopardons]

BTTT

[bert]

Cracker Barrel was. Cracker Barrel lacks the customer base to continue to be viable.

[sauropod]

Lonnie Bunch ain’t gonna like that.

[stanne]

Nothing about gen z. And we raised them, so enough with the finger pointing-Actually the people allowing and pushing the invasion are boomers- in the past month when I pick up the phone for service, anyone in travel- hotels, airlines, car rental- anyone in health insurance- whom I work with in my job- English is something they reluctantly have to attempt to speak

[A strike]

Howard Zinn

[gibsonguy]

the Smithsonian is a stuffed with anti-American propaganda. America hating leftist took it over years ago. They have spent million destroying a once great institution. You will find no better example of the successful enactment of the communist manifesto than the Smithsonian.

[stanne]

Yep and his adoring student HRC