As American children, this is how we were taught to imagine the first Thanksgiving:
Awwww. Isn't it nice? The pilgrims and the Indians were totally BFFs! With a feast of turkey, corn on the cob, green beans, pumpkin pie, and even a beautiful cornucopia centerpiece to top it off---the first Thanksgiving must have been a wonderful celebration surrounded by good friends.
Hmmmm.
I wonder what American Indians give thanks for at Thanksgiving?
I bet they're thankful for being nearly exterminated after helping the white man survive the first winter in the New World. Maybe they're thankful that their precious land was raped and destroyed by greedy European settlers. Or maybe they're thankful for the casinos they built on the few hundred tax-free reservations they were granted by the US Government.
If I were them, I don't think I'd like Thanksgiving very much.
It's a pretty insulting holiday, when you REALLY think about it.
nullThe story of the Wamapanoag tribe and the Pilgrims in Plymouth Massachusetts is compelling and sad: the Pilgrims, in late 1621 close to destitution, were taught how to cultivate local crops, catch fish and generally take care of themselves by the locals. However, the success of the community that ensued meant that more and more Europeans came to the area, and the Wampanoags were driven off their territory. In 1675, some of the younger members made a series of attacks on white immigrants at Swansea and the tribe was nearly exterminated by the settlers' reprisals. Today there are about 3000 of the tribe left, mostly on a reservation on Martha's Vineyard.
It's true.
Now, I apologize for the cynicism. But I had to get it off my chest.
I sincerely wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Just please don't forget the story behind it.
Awwww. Isn't it nice? The pilgrims and the Indians were totally BFFs! With a feast of turkey, corn on the cob, green beans, pumpkin pie, and even a beautiful cornucopia centerpiece to top it off---the first Thanksgiving must have been a wonderful celebration surrounded by good friends.
Hmmmm.
I wonder what American Indians give thanks for at Thanksgiving?
I bet they're thankful for being nearly exterminated after helping the white man survive the first winter in the New World. Maybe they're thankful that their precious land was raped and destroyed by greedy European settlers. Or maybe they're thankful for the casinos they built on the few hundred tax-free reservations they were granted by the US Government.
If I were them, I don't think I'd like Thanksgiving very much.
It's a pretty insulting holiday, when you REALLY think about it.
nullThe story of the Wamapanoag tribe and the Pilgrims in Plymouth Massachusetts is compelling and sad: the Pilgrims, in late 1621 close to destitution, were taught how to cultivate local crops, catch fish and generally take care of themselves by the locals. However, the success of the community that ensued meant that more and more Europeans came to the area, and the Wampanoags were driven off their territory. In 1675, some of the younger members made a series of attacks on white immigrants at Swansea and the tribe was nearly exterminated by the settlers' reprisals. Today there are about 3000 of the tribe left, mostly on a reservation on Martha's Vineyard.
It's true.
Now, I apologize for the cynicism. But I had to get it off my chest.
I sincerely wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Just please don't forget the story behind it.
VIEW 5 of 5 COMMENTS
padre:
So how is your Arizona winter treating you? Actually you live up north so you do actually get to experience a real winter. This state is cooky, it's a desert & a snow cap sort of place 
padre:
Hell yeah dude, no problem. Give you a tour & maybe if it's timed right you'll be able to visit for monthly SG gathering. If not shit, just keep coming down we'll party ourselves