Giving thanks...without the stereotypes
This year, American thanksgiving for many will be changed. Many of the changes are unwelcome as people cancel and adjust to the risk of COVID.
In the midst of these undesired changes, however, there is the opportunity to make some intentional adjustments and, hopefully, improvements.
Back in elementary school, I recall the arts and crafts activities and idyllic story of the American thanksgiving holiday. Looking back on it now, it's cringe-worthy. Perhaps you had the same...feathers... headdresses...mutual respect and generosity between Pilgrims and Indians...
At the same time, thanksgiving was, for years, my favorite holiday - separate from the materialism and hype of other holidays, a simple gathering of good food, family, and gratitude.
Full of stereotypes and caricatures of Native people and Pilgrim settlers, disregarding the horrendous history that preceded and followed this one briefly noted meal, it is uncomfortable to imagine how Native children and people are affected by the common portrayals of the holiday. In turn, we can also see how the false narrative keeps us all from healthy, whole, honest versions of cultural growth and awareness.
While I hope elementary education surrounding Native history and thanksgiving has improved over the decades since I experienced it, I imagine in many places it has not. Although some may perpetuate these inaccuracies purposely, it is also likely that some are continuing to pass on the history they were taught and the emotions they have come to attach to it.
Significantly, the practice of thankfulness is traditional amongst Native people. We can honor their culture without the falsehoods and stereotypes as we celebrate with gratitude and giving thanks as well.
In gratitude for each of you, below are a couple resources that may be helpful (that each include many, many more links as well). Share them with your children, your grandchildren, your families, your friends.
This thanksgiving, I hold gratitude in my heart that each of you may shift the narrative in combination with any other modified traditions that 2020 has brought to your home.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Here are a couple links for your exploration...
PBS An Authentic Look at Thanksgiving.
Within this link, notice so many resources rich in value. For example, from the Teaching Poster of American Indian's Perspective on Thanksgiving:
"The real story is much deeper, richer, and more nuanced. The Indians in attendance, the Wampanoag, played a lead role in this historic encounter, and they had been essential to the survival of the colonists during the newcomers’ first year. The Wampanoag were a people with a sophisticated society who had occupied the region for thousands of years. They had their own government, their own religious and philosophical beliefs, their own knowledge system, and their own culture. They were also a people for whom giving thanks was a part of daily life."
A Racial Justice Guide to Thanksgiving
Within this link, there are again dozens of resources, articles, and educational activities. For example, from a Sample Letter to Parents of Understanding Prejudice:
"What, then, do we propose to do? We do not advocate the elimination of Thanksgiving from our curriculum. Instead, we strive to help children understand that Thanksgiving means different things to different people. We will explain that some families celebrate Thanksgiving and others do not, and we will explain why (in language appropriate for children). We will also discuss how Thanksgiving cards and decorations sometimes misrepresent Native Americans and lead them to feel hurt or offended."
You matter. You can make a difference. I'm so thankful you're here.
