Should My Brother’s Bias Dictate Our Thanksgiving Plans?
The New York Times
A reader’s family members say they won’t come to New York City after seeing footage of disorderly protests.
For 10 years, I have hosted Thanksgiving for my extended family. My brother and his family always join us. This year, my wife and I were excited to welcome everyone to our new apartment in Manhattan. But my brother dismissed the idea: He said his family, including his wife and teenage daughters, are afraid to go to any city after the sweeping protests following the murder of George Floyd. I am annoyed that they’re placing more faith in their slanted newsfeeds, which amplified footage of disorderly demonstrators, than in our accounts of people marching passionately but peacefully in our neighborhood. We could always host at our small cottage in the country, but it would be cramped. Thoughts?
BROTHER
My mother didn’t care for traditional Thanksgiving fare. (“Too bland!”) So, to minimize her annual commentary on turkey and mashed potatoes, I added some spicy Lebanese food to the menu. Few of us are strangers to bossy guests. And sometimes we go along to get along.
