Truth is Justice: Respecting Native American History
The dark history of Thanksgiving is surrounded by tales of blood, brutality, and slaughter. It is an American holiday of a feast and family games, but its origins are truly something Americans should rethink. Considering the Native American cultures still existing in America and the death of their ancestors by colonists, Thanksgiving is sure to be seen as an oppressive commemoration. Even though this holiday is thought of as a day of unity, Thanksgiving should not be celebrated due to its profound racism and historical meaning. It may not be the intention of Americans to repress history and culture, but they are hiding the death of millions of innocent victims whom’s story deserves to be told.
Some people were told to be silent about the truth of the holiday, like a Wampanoag man named Wamsutta Frank James, who was asked by the descendants of Pilgrims to give a speech at a banquet to celebrate the anniversary of the Mayflower landing in Plymouth.
Wamsutta was told that he absolutely could not give the speech that he was planning on giving, and they offered to write him a different speech more in line with the ideals presented by the media. Wamsutta refused. Instead, he and a group of supporters met on Coles Hill in Plymouth. On November 27, 1970, they came together to commemorate the first National Day of Mourning.
Some may say Thanksgiving is a celebration of unity between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. However, it is not explained that it was a truce between the rivaling groups. Both sides were suffering, but instead of leaving the land that they didn’t belong in, the Pilgrims fought against and killed the Natives. In spite of this truth, kids today are taught about how the Native Americans welcomed the Pilgrims and they had a peaceful meal to celebrate their new home. This misconception must be clarified for future American generations to know the sad truth of the country they live in. It is important to show that this day should not be made for the inhumane colonists, but rather a day of grief for the blameless Natives. It should be a day to celebrate the culture and mourn the murdered. The past cannot be changed, but it can be respected. In the words of Albert Einstein, “The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.”
Mosley, Tonya, and Allison Hagan. “For Native Peoples, Thanksgiving Isn't a Celebration. It's a National Day of Mourning.” For Native Peoples, Thanksgiving Isn't A Celebration. It's A National Day Of Mourning | Here & Now, WBUR, 25 Nov. 2020, https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2020/11/25/native-americans-thanksgiving-mourning.
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