The Thanksgiving History You've Never Heard

Summary

In a thought-provoking reflection on Thanksgiving, Josie Ross challenges the traditional narrative surrounding the holiday, revealing its roots in colonization and violence against Indigenous and Black Americans. He emphasizes that the pilgrims arrived in desperation, bringing nothing of value, while the true gifts of the holiday have been overshadowed by historical injustices, including genocide and systemic racism. Ross calls for accountability and reparations for the stolen lands and labor of Indigenous and Black people, urging a reevaluation of the mythology of Thanksgiving to foster genuine equality and justice.

Takeaways

• 🦃 Thanksgiving's mythology is shaped by a narrative that favors white Americans, portraying settlers as benefactors to Indigenous peoples.
• 📜 The reality of Thanksgiving reveals that pilgrims brought little value and were largely reliant on Indigenous support for their survival.
• ⚖️ The historical narrative of Thanksgiving masks the genocide and violence against Native Americans and Black individuals that followed settler colonization.
• ✊ Indigenous and Black Americans continue to face systemic violence and discrimination, reflecting a historical pattern of oppression.
• 💔 The violence against Indigenous and Black communities is ongoing, with numerous individuals affected by state-sponsored and private white supremacy.
• 🗣️ The need for reparations is highlighted, including land restitution and acknowledgment of historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.
• 🕊️ There is a call for justice, equality, and accountability for the ongoing injustices against marginalized communities in the U.S.
• 🌍 The script challenges the perception of Thanksgiving by emphasizing the need for true gratitude that includes reparative actions.
• 🔄 The systemic issues like the prison industrial complex disproportionately affect descendants of enslaved Africans and Native Americans.
• 🤝 True thanksgiving can only occur when historical wrongs are addressed, and justice is pursued for all communities affected by colonialism.

Q & A

What does Josie Ross say about the traditional narrative of Thanksgiving?

Josie Ross argues that the traditional narrative of Thanksgiving reflects a mythology that white Americans prefer, portraying themselves as benevolent settlers who enriched the indigenous people. She emphasizes that this view overlooks the true history of violence and genocide.

How does Josie Ross describe the contributions of the pilgrims during Thanksgiving?

Josie Ross contends that the pilgrims did not bring valuable gifts like turkey or pie to Thanksgiving; instead, they were impoverished and in need of help, relying on the indigenous peoples for sustenance.

What are some historical injustices mentioned by Josie Ross?

Josie Ross highlights various historical injustices, including genocide against indigenous peoples, violence against Black Americans, and the ongoing effects of slavery through the prison industrial complex.

What does Josie Ross suggest is still happening today regarding the treatment of indigenous and Black Americans?

She suggests that state-sponsored violence against indigenous and Black Americans continues, with numerous examples of individuals being murdered and the lack of accountability for those responsible.

How does Josie Ross view the concept of reparations?

Josie Ross advocates for reparations for both indigenous peoples and Black Americans, emphasizing the need for acknowledgment of stolen land and labor as well as justice and equality.

What does Josie Ross mean by 'return the land'?

When she calls for 'return the land,' Josie Ross is referring to the restoration of land that was historically taken from indigenous peoples, as a form of reparative justice.

What significance does Josie Ross assign to the phrase 'match the mythology'?

Josie Ross uses the phrase 'match the mythology' to suggest that if white Americans want to celebrate Thanksgiving as a time of gratitude, they must also recognize and address the historical and ongoing injustices faced by indigenous and Black communities.

What examples of violence does Josie Ross provide?

Josie Ross cites several instances of violence against indigenous and Black Americans, including the killings of individuals like Mike Brown, Breonna Taylor, and Trayvon Martin, highlighting a persistent pattern of state and private violence.

What is the broader message that Josie Ross wants to convey about Thanksgiving?

The broader message is a call for recognition and accountability regarding the historical context of Thanksgiving, urging a more honest reflection on America's past and present, and advocating for real change and reparative actions.

How does Josie Ross conclude her message?

Josie Ross concludes by emphasizing the need for freedom, justice, equality, and reparations, asserting that only when these are achieved can all people genuinely share in gratitude and thanksgiving.