Election years can come in like a wrecking ball, leaving all sorts of familial relationship damage on its path. Every candidate stands on the platform that "I alone can fix it” while vowing to end American carnage. We spend months, really years, fearing the ramifications of the other team’s win. It stands to reason that people align their relationships with their values and political views; however, when we distance ourselves from the opposition, we fail to learn and grow as independents who are inclined to respect views and beliefs that differ from our own.
The bandwagon effect is a cognitive bias that leads humans to instinctively choose to engage in behaviors they think many others are engaging in, irrespective of the “reasoning” behind those behaviors. To hop on a bandwagon is blindly following others without evidence of it being the right choice. It's a psychological phenomenon whereby people do something primarily because others are doing it, regardless of their beliefs, which they may ignore or override. In 2024, we saw more people hitchhiking their way across social issues than ever before, and I believe it's more important now than ever to make sure whatever you hitch a ride to, you find out who is driving the vehicle first. To go against the "herd mentality" is dangerous in today's cancel culture, but it is critical to sustainability.
Family fissures may seem inevitable in a modern, polarized political landscape, but estrangements between relatives are tragedies. They imply that family is simply less important than ideas. In reality, few of us can change the course of geopolitical conflicts. None of us will single-handedly decide the outcome of an election, but we can be a real force in the lives of the people we love by remaining curious instead of confrontational. There is never a clear winner in a presidential election when half of the country feels like they've lost. Perhaps if we put our relationships first, we might even meet on common ground somewhere in the middle.
Here's a word of advice for those of us who want to be free of manipulation of those around us so that we can make choices that will enhance our well-being. The next time you consider jumping on the bandwagon, ensure it is equipped with a working moral compass and no ‘Brainwashed On Board’ sign is hanging in the window. All vehicles can pose dangerous risks if handled under the influence. Not every debate needs to end with a resolution. Sometimes, it’s enough to acknowledge that you see things differently and move on respectfully. We can agree to disagree. But, for those of you who continue to lean on your proverbial horn, screaming for everyone else to get out of your way, don't be surprised if I slap a 'Kiss My Grits' bumper sticker on the back of your wagon while giving you a one-finger salute. Free-thinking pedestrians will always have the right of way.
Thai Curry Butternut Squash Soup
INGREDIENTS
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- 4½-5 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into small 1-inch pieces (from 2 medium squash)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- 1 (4-ounce) jar Thai red curry paste
- 2½ teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups Full-Fat Coconut Milk (reserve a few tablespoons for drizzling)
- ½ lime, juiced
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (omit for vegan-free option)
- fresh cilantro leaves, chopped for garnish
For the Seeds
- Seeds from 2 butternut squash
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ fresh cracked pepper
- ½ tablespoon melted butter
INSTRUCTIONS
For the Soup
- Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add ginger, garlic, and red curry paste and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in coriander, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Add butternut squash and broth; mix well. Cover and simmer until the squash is fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add coconut milk to the soup. Using a handheld immersion blender (or a countertop blender, working in batches), carefully blend the mixture until smooth.
- Stir in lime juice, soy sauce, and fish sauce if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot in bowls topped with fresh coconut milk, chopped cilantro, and seeds.
For the Seeds
- Preheated oven at 300F.
- Remove the pulp and fibers from seeds. Do not wash. Pat dry.
- Place seeds on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Drizzle with melted butter and spices. Mix well and spread seeds into a single layer.
- Bake until crisp, about 35-40 minutes.
