I’m an American. Today is one of our biggest cultural holidays.
Depending on who you ask, Thanksgiving is either about sharing food and time with the most important people in your life, travelling long distances and holding back the urge to engage in heated political arguments, a Rockwellian mythologising of a shameful legacy of native genocide, or just an expression of the unchecked American urge to consume (food, iPads, whatever).
Though the holiday itself can be emotionally fraught, I understand the power of generosity and reciprocity.
I know this because of AFC Wimbledon.
The volunteer voices for Radio WDON offer audio commentary for every single AFC Wimbledon first team match.
For every home game - and many of the away fixtures - a contingent of Wimbledon fans show their appreciation by bringing them baked goods. Biscuits. Cakes. The occasional stroopwafel.
I can see some cake coming: Rob Cornell and Geoff Hawley of Radio WDON
This thing that fans do for other fans is important. Not just to show some hardworking volunteers that their efforts are valued, but because this is how community is built.
The schmaltzy Hallmark card sentimentality around Thanksgiving belies a fact we’ve known about ourselves since we bungled out of the caves - sharing food builds and strengthens social bonds. When we share food, we are sharing ourselves.
It also reinforces some core values. Co-operation. Fairness. Diplomacy.
Modern football is replete with multi-million pound businesses. But AFC Wimbledon, formed in the wake of that terrible day in 2002, is something more than a business.
When we share what we have together, even if it’s just a batch of cakes, we reinforce the things that make AFC Wimbledon special.
This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for AFC Wimbledon and the community that makes it what it is.
Including you.
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