Thanksgiving may be a uniquely American holiday, but it is not without controversy, because the mythology I learned as a child has little to do with the real history of the day and the genocide of Native American people that followed. I have several Native American friends and respect both those who celebrate the day and those who do not. I think at least we should explore the true history with humility and recognition of the contributions of Native American people and the terrible price they paid for their generosity, without which the US may have never existed.
…The decision to celebrate Thanksgiving divides even Native Americans. Nearly 10 years ago, Jacqueline Keeler wrote a widely circulated editorial about why she, a member of the Dineh Nation and Yankton Dakota Sioux, celebrates the holiday. For one, Keeler views herself as “a very select group of survivors.” The fact that Natives managed to survive mass murder, forced relocation, theft of land and other injustices “with our ability to share and to give intact” gives Keeler hope that healing is possible.
In her essay, Keeler makes it clear that she takes issue with how one-dimensionally Natives are portrayed in commercialized Thanksgiving celebrations. The Thanksgiving she recognizes is a revisionist one. She explains:
“These were not merely ‘friendly Indians.’ They had already experienced European slave traders raiding their villages for a hundred years or so, and they were wary—but it was their way to give freely to those who had nothing. Among many of our peoples, showing that you can give without holding back is the way to earn respect.”
Award-winning author Sherman Alexie, who is Spokane and Coeur d’alene, also celebrates Thanksgiving by recognizing the contributions the Wampanoag people made to the Pilgrims. Asked in a Sadie Magazine interview if he celebrates the holiday, Alexie humorously answered:
“We live up to the spirit of Thanksgiving cuz we invite all of our most desperately lonely white [friends] to come eat with us. We always end up with the recently broken up, the recently divorced, the brokenhearted. From the very beginning, Indians have been taking care of brokenhearted white people. …We just extend that tradition.”
If we’re to follow Keeler and Alexie’s lead, Thanksgiving should be celebrated by highlighting the contributions and sacrifices made by the Wampanoag. All too often Thanksgiving is celebrated from a Eurocentric point of view… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <About.com>
In addition, I think it important that treat Thanksgiving as a day to be humble and to recognize our duty to care for those who cannot care for themselves, as the Wampanoag people did.
My friends, I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving and give thanks for each of you.
23 Responses to “Thanksgiving: A Time to be Humble”
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I never know what to say on “holidays” like this and every other one because these days are the markers that begin the 4th fiscal quarters upward transfer of even more wealth and a ton of it will be in the form of debt. This is the quarter we re-arm them who wage class warfare against me and I am supposed to be grateful? Sorry just can’t make my mind go there. I do hope your meal is cooked well and on time and that someone else is doing it for you this year though.
I respect the first peoples traditions but if we are truly a grateful nation why not treat honestly with them and give them their lands back which they own by treaty and negotiation?
Mark, that’s a valid point. While rectifying all the individual treaty violations would he hopelessly complicated, we could approach it the way Canada did. We could give them Texas, perhaps. 🙂
That is precisely what we have been trying to say for the past 100+yrs. I wished they would even give us 5 percent of the LANDS from the TREATIES written? that would be the most shocking thing we will NEVER SEE in this LIFETIME> LOL? A Enrolled TRIBAL MEMBER in Portland Oregon USA.
How would you suggest determining which lands?
More than thirty years ago at Thanksgiving and Christmas, I started visiting people in hospitals and care centres. I can’t cook worth a damn (I’ve even made myself sick a few times) so I won’t inflict that on anybody. But what I can do is go in and visit with someone or several people. I don’t necessarily know these people. I remember the first time I did this. It was about 1977 or 1978 and I visited Jean J who was an elderly client of mine and stuck in the hospital over the holidays. Her husband was at home but too frail to see her very often. So Jean and I talked for about an hour. I still remember the smile on her face as I said good bye. I know Jean enjoyed the visit but I think I got more out of it.
And that’s the way it’s been. These last few years, I have visited with the people where my mother lives. At Christmas, I make up Christmas stockings for a number of them. Twice a year, on the pretext of celebrating the birthdays of my cats, we get together for something to drink and a little birthday cakes. They get to visit with all 70 pounds of cat too and love to watch them play. The room is always filled with laughter.
There is something to be said about looking outside ourselves, not because we have to, but because we want to.
Lynn, always be thankful that you are able to brighten some peoples’ day. You are performing an invaluable service.
Thank you Lynn. You are one of the good ones. What Patty said too.
Have a wonderful Turkey Dall all!
You too, Patty. See tomorrow’s cartoon. 😉
TC…
Hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving and many more to come.
Have a great day.
Thank you old friend. To you and yours as well.
Enjoy Thanksgiving Tom , and everyone—- no matter what happened 400 years ago— we have , all of us , a great deal to be thankful for , including the insight to recognize what really happened so long ago– We can’t change it– we can only do our best to see that old wrongs are made right whenever , wherever we can– and to live our lives… today… everyday , in a spirit of Thanks–
You too, Phyllis, and thanks for the wisdom.
I liked this post. We need to remember history versus mythology when it comes to this holiday.
Anyway, have a lovely dinner tonight with your loved ones.
Thanks Ahab. You too.
As a direct descendent of the Mayflower on both sides of my family, I more than appreciated this post! When I first read Zinn, I was appalled that my heritage was one that was filled with fabrications and the pride of my ancestry became soured – I’m grateful for the sources of truth that shed light on the darker aspects of humanity and with that knowledge prompt each of us to atone, and make reparations in whatever small way we can individually – Care2 is a great impetus in this endeavor, as are you TomCat – how easily gratitude becomes elusive! Thanks.
Lee, most people in your position look smugly to their heritage. Kudos! Zinn’s People’s History, is the best I have read. Thank you!
I observe the rituals; after all, half my family is European. But my heart ain’t in it.
I understand JR, Mine is, only because I include helping others.
Tom, I’m not sure i would be so forgiving as Keeler, but neither could one live a rich full life being bitter. She’s a terrific role model for Native Americans and other abused ethnicities. . Survival is always something to celebrate.I just got home from my son’s place. I hope your Thanksgiving was peaceful.
Blue, I agree. One of the lessons I learned the hard way was that, no matter how much right I had ti be bitter, the person my bitterness hurt most was me.
I celebrated life with my family. We are happy to have good food on the table & to enjoy each other’s company, & I watched how the MAYFLOWER came to AMERICA, Plus the DISCOVERY CHANNELS: BEFORE COLUMBUS DOCUMENTARY, that was very imformative indeed, I am blessed to still be alive & my CULTURE & HERITAGE alive & well in Portland Oregon. I am enrolled Klamath Tribal Member from Klamath FALLS, OREGON. We will survive for another 100 years if The CREATOR is willing to allow it?
Welcome Debra! 🙂
Your perspective speaks volumes. Thank you.