We all know what the history of the pilgrims at Plymouth is, and if you don't, you haven't been paying attention to American history - saddening. And oh yes, it's ironic how much like shit the English pilgrims treated the Natives after they helped them adapt and survive in the New World following their arrival in Plymouth. Without this help they would have died or gone back to England. But is was there really ever any giving of thanks? The settlers turned around and stole land and hunt and harvest, and even beliefs and rights of the people who were originally there and who unselfishly helped them.
How many people think about this as they're sitting down with their families/friends/TV for dinner? So, maybe many think about the pilgrims and their pilgrimage to escape the religious persecution and preserve their religion, but really, is there any real appreciation for the Natives? Maybe THAT is the hidden purpose of the American Thanksgiving, to forget that this ever happened, to make people think about festive colours and food and family...forgetting history that they really shouldn't forget. And so, while you're eating your turkey and stuffing and potatoes (oh how I envy you, such good food...) please remember.
For those who don't know, the Canadian one was at the beginning of October, and it celebrates the harvest, transferring over from the days when that did actually happen. I find that a little more appealing, there is less hypocrisy in that. Just a bit.
But also, sweet as it may seem...the holiday of Thanksgiving was not really intended for giving thanks for family, it was more intended to give thanks for survival and food and help, back in the days. Just a note.
I HAVE NOTHING against Americans. Only the status quo's lack of remembrance for the previous vital role of the Natives, who have now been reduced to reserves and more problems than many average North Americans could ever face, more alcoholism than much of North American society
