We didn’t start the fire. It was always burning since the world’s been turning. Many folks are deciding what summer looks like given our current climate. Gas prices are soaring, groceries cost a kidney, and “We outside” is looking more like “We inside.” Particularly when literally stepping out of your front door costs a good portion of your hard-earned money. Despite the doom and gloom dominating our social media algorithms, Fam appears to be cautiously stepping into the streets to celebrate another prideful season.
Collectively, we are all feeling the heaviness of existing in a place of uncertainty and economic strife.
To my surprise, my friend group chats are buzzing about descending upon DC for Memorial Day weekend. We are not alone. Countless other men are gearing up for a long weekend of fun, cocktails, and community — not necessarily in that order. The big question this year is: are we toning down the activities to be a bit more budget-conscious? The answer is not so simple and is layered more deeply than Janet Jackson’s sonically infectious vocals.
I’ve spoken to a few folks who decided to skip the soiree this year in lieu of quiet time with close friends. Others are opting to travel by train, or, if flights were purchased prior to the jet fuel surge, they will forgo renting a car to navigate the streets of the DMV area. There have also been discussions surrounding the affordability of events and the purchase of passes needed to attend them. Some fear people are being priced out of fun.
The concern is greatly exacerbated for those who’ve been laid off or whose paychecks no longer stretch as far as they once did. Collectively, we are all feeling the heaviness of existing in a place of uncertainty and economic strife. It makes you wonder whether coming together now to enjoy pockets of joy is a trivial matter. Then again, many of us simply want to LIVE and exhale — even if we didn’t light the fire but are desperately trying to fight it.
Are you stepping out this year, or sitting this one out?
