Dear Tulane Community:
The culmination of the Carnival season has arrived!
Mardi Gras falls late this year, which has given us nearly two months of festive spirit decked in purple, green, and gold. Throughout the season, we celebrate the silly, the satirical, and the sublime. This year's krewes have honored "royalty" ranging from a medieval French saint to a Delta blues guitarist to the punnily-named Superb Owl. Most importantly, Carnival parades bring us together: smiling, dancing to brass bands, admiring (and showing off) handcrafted costumes and floats. There are precious few places on the planet where you can find a similar scene — and this has never been more apparent than in today's digitally siloed world.
Viewed from this perspective, Carnival's togetherness stands out against a backdrop of increasing isolation in our society, as many Tulane researchers have shown. In contrast with our busy schedule of gatherings and parades, many Americans today lack regular occasions to connect with friends, family, and neighbors. The exuberant public spectacle of Mardi Gras reaffirms the value of institutions like Tulane and rituals like Carnival in serving to combat the epidemic of loneliness, as I recently discussed in a LinkedIn piece.
A few weeks after we've eaten our last slice of king cake, we'll celebrate our Mardi Gras for the Mind: the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University. I am delighted to announce that I'll be moderating a discussion with former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, taking a deep dive into the importance of social connection and exploring how we can rebuild a more connected society. (Keep an eye out for the Book Fest schedule announcement in early March for event details.)
When we gather on the parade route, we are contributing to a vitally important culture of connection. Tulanians help this culture thrive by treating friends and strangers alike with kindness, respect, and patience.
Have a safe and happy Mardi Gras!
