This past week, during Thanksgiving, we discussed the topic of gratitude in a work meeting. We reflected on things we should be thankful for. Many of us, in addition to being grateful for our families, expressed gratitude for living in a city where immigrants’ rights are respected and where our daughters can still enjoy their rights as women.
However, many of us remain astonished by what happened on November 5th. Like any modern philosopher, I turned to my phone and asked, «Hey, Google, what is the essential meaning of the U.S. Constitution?» The answer was: «The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States that establishes the structure of the government, defines the rights of citizens, and limits the power of the government.»
I simply wanted to reaffirm what this country supposedly stands for. But instead of finding clarity, I ended up more confused than ever.
My parents emigrated from Colombia to Puerto Rico in the 1960s. My father, a passionate liberal, deeply believed in individual liberties, progressive reforms and economic opportunity. He used to tell me, «If you work hard in this country, you can get an education and build a better life.» That’s why he embraced liberal values, and so did I.
Fast forward to the early 2000s, when I worked in advertising sales for Telemundo and Univision. The TV was always on at home. Two shows stand out in my memory: The Apprentice and Emeril Live. My youngest son would imitate Trump, walking around the house firing everyone: «You’re fired!» No one was spared—his little sisters, his stuffed animals, not even Carlos Santana, our dog. My oldest son, inspired by Emeril Lagasse, a renowned chef on the Food Channel, went around yelling «Bam!» He even asked me to record him for a school project where he sprinkled pepper on meat for empanadas we were cooking.
Reality TV didn’t just shape popular culture; it also left its mark on our family. It wasn’t just entertainment—it might have reprogrammed us a little. In my case, one of my sons became a self-assured entrepreneur, running his own business. The other channeled his charisma into community work. I can’t help but wonder if reality TV had some influence.
Shows like The Apprentice subtly taught us that arrogance was acceptable and equated success with wealth and power. They normalized harmful stereotypes and promoted a materialistic worldview, relegating values like peace, kindness and empathy to a distant past.
That’s why I’m grateful to live in Philadelphia, where the Constitution was written—a city where we still have the freedom to fight for equity, dignity, and opportunities for all. A place where we can defend the fundamental principles of the Constitution: guaranteeing individual rights and limiting government excess.
