Turkey has always been the iconic centerpiece of Thanksgiving food. Cadets at UMA might consider changing the tradition of having turkey this Thanksgiving. Increasingly, many cadets are of the opinion that turkey is not a favorite any longer. Should the tradition be changed? UMA students express their opinion on if it should be or not.
Cadet Conner Walton criticizes turkey, “Turkey’s too bland for Thanksgiving… The only way I’m able to eat it is if I dip it in gravy.” He suggests alternatives, like goose, and believes ham, with its natural flavor, is a better holiday option. “Ham holds so much flavor in it,” he argues, while also acknowledging ham as a more Christmas-associated dish. Walton also brings up the cooking risks, especially with deep-frying, which has led to dangerous accidents. “Many people die from trying to deep-fry their turkeys,” he states.
Another Cadet that hates turkey is Cadet Alvarez, who dislikes the texture and flavor, calling it “plain.”
Cadet Fahim voices a strong dislike for turkey, citing both flavor and appearance. Cadet Fahim writes, “I hate turkey. One of the reasons I hate turkey is because of its taste. Most of the turkey I have had is flavorless and doesn’t even taste good. Most of the turkey I have had also has dark spots on it, which looks like the meat is rotten, and those places also taste even worse than the actual thing. The preparation of the turkey is also a thing, it always is either uncooked or tastes and looks uncooked, I think most people don’t know how to cook turkey properly. Turkey also has things like salmonella, which can cause illnesses, and it is also high in fat. There is pretty much no upside to it.”
Many other Cadets at UMA enjoy turkey. Cadet Pacheco states a simple reason for liking turkey: “I like turkey because it is a bird. I like birds.”
Cadet Erikson finds satisfaction in both the preparation and taste of turkey, adding, “Shooting turkeys is fun… You cook the turkey, and it tastes good. It smells good, and barbecue sauce is good with it.”
Cadet Kusitafu shares how Thanksgiving brings her family together to express gratitude, making turkey an essential part of the day. “My family comes together, gives thanks to each other, and all share the meal together, so that’s why I like turkey,” she explains.
For others, like Cadet Hughes, it’s simply a matter of taste. He remarks, “I like turkey because it’s tasty.”
As Thanksgiving approaches, cadets at UMA should consider whether to update the turkey tradition with something new, or stick with the classic meat. Having a ham for Thanksgiving might change some cadets’ mind on the tradition. What matters most is that cadets should enjoy what they eat this Thanksgiving.