Those who are indigenous to this land we call “The United States of America” have been long misrepresented and pushed out of American history textbooks in favor of glorifying those who now rule this nation and represent the dominant culture. What kind of democracy are we when education institutions and teachers refuse to mention the fact that 10 to 30 million Natives were killed at the hands of European invasion and colonialism? What is the point of having a “free market of ideas” when selective and biased history is being taught to our children?
There is no other way to put it, but erasing the memory of an entire race of people through distorted history is a systematic way of deceiving and lying to our children. Not only are we presented with biased history, but we are also subjected to an ever-growing culture of capitalism, in which commercialization of an ambiguous holiday merely pulls us away from facts and meaning. Turkeys are associated with “Thanksgiving” in the same way Santa Clause and the Easter bunny have become synonymous with Christmas and Easter, respectively. Through the guise of innocence, capitalism is constantly telling us to consume because consumption equals “happiness.” Tomorrow is not “Black Friday” for nothing.
And as children dress up as Pilgrims and Natives to reenact the romanticized version of history, they are not only perpetuating stereotypes, but more importantly, they’re being embedded with lies. What do they really know about the Pilgrims and the Natives? Consider a high school history textbook called “The American Tradition” which describes the scene quite succinctly:
After some exploring, the Pilgrims chose the land around Plymouth Harbor for their settlement. Unfortunately, they had arrived in December and were not prepared for the New England winter. However, they were aided by friendly Indians, who gave them food and showed them how to grow corn. When warm weather came, the colonists planted, fished, hunted, and prepared themselves for the next winter. After harvesting their first crop, they and their Indian friends celebrated the first Thanksgiving.
This patronizing version of history excludes many embarrassing facts of European history. As stated by James W. Loewen, author of “Lies My Teacher Told Me,” many college students are unaware of the horrific plague that devastated and significantly reduced the population of Natives after Columbus’ arrival in the “new world.” Most diseases came from animals that were domesticated by Europeans. Cowpox from cows led to smallpox, which was later “spread through gifts of blankets by infected Europeans.” Of the twelve high school textbooks Professor Loewen studied and analyzed, only three offer some explanation that the plague was a factor of European colonization. The nine remaining textbooks mention almost nothing, and two of them omit the subject altogether. He writes: “Each of the other seven furnishes only a fragment of a paragraph that does not even make it into the index, let alone into students’ minds.”
Why is it important to mention the plague? It reinforced European ethnocentricism which hardly produced a “friendly” relationship between the Natives and Europeans. To most of the Pilgrims and Europeans, the Natives were heathens, savages, treacherous, and Satanic. Upon seeing thousands of dead Natives, the Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Winthrop, called the plague “miraculous.” In 1634, he wrote to a friend in England:
But for the natives in these parts, God hath so pursued them, as for 300 miles space the greatest part of them are swept away by the small pox which still continues among them. So as God hath thereby cleared our title to this place, those who remain in these parts, being in all not fifty, have put themselves under our protect…
The ugly truth is that many Pilgrims were thankful and grateful that the Native population was decreasing. Even worse, there was the Pequot Massacre in 1637, which started after the colonists found a murdered white man in his boat. Ninety armed settlers burned a Native village, along with their crops, and then demanded the Natives to turn in the murderers. When the Natives refused, a massacre followed.
Captain John Mason and his colonist army surrounded a fortified Pequot village and reportedly shouted: “We must burn them! Such a dreadful terror let the Almighty fall upon their spirits that they would flee from us and run into the very flames. Thus did the Lord Judge the heathen, filling the place with dead bodies.” The surviving Pequot were hunted and slain.
The Governor of Plymouth, William Bradford, further elaborates:
Those that escaped the fire were slain with the sword; some hewed to pieces, others run through with their rapiers, so that they were quickly dispatched and very few escaped. It was conceived they thus destroyed about 400 at this time. It was a fearful sight to see them thus frying in the fire…horrible was the stink and scent thereof, but the victory seemed a sweet sacrifice, and they gave the prayers thereof to God, who had wrought so wonderfully for them.
Perhaps most disturbingly, it is strongly argued by many historians that the Pequot Massacre led to the “Thanksgiving” festivities. The day after the massacre, the aforementioned Governor Massachusetts Bay Colony declared: “A day of Thanksgiving, thanking God that they had eliminated over 700 men, women and children.” It was signed into law that, “This day forth shall be a day of celebration and thanksgiving for subduing the Pequots.”
Now, one may ask: What about Squanto, the Wampanoag man who learned to speak English and helped the hungry, ill, and poor Pilgrims? As cited by Professor Loewen, an American high school textbook called “Land of Promise” reads:
Squanto had learned their language, the author explained, from English fishermen who ventured into the New England waters each summer. Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to plant corn, squash, and pumpkins. Would the small band of settlers have survived without Squanto’s help? We cannot say. But by the fall of 1621, colonists and Indians could sit down to several days of feast and thanksgiving to God (later celebrated as the first Thanksgiving).
Note that this text states the first Thanksgiving was on 1621. Indeed, there was a feast on that year, but it was not called a “Thanksgiving feast” nor was it repeated until years later after the Pequot Massacre in 1637. In regards to Squanto, the correct question to ask is: How did Squanto learn English? History textbooks neglect to mention that the Europeans did not perceive Squanto as an equal, but rather as “an instrument of their God” to help the “chosen people.” It is also omitted that, as a boy, Squanto was stolen by a British captain in 1605 and taken to England. He worked for a Plymouth Merchant who eventually helped him arrange passage back to Massachusetts, but less than a year later, he was seized by a British slave raider. Along with two dozen fellow Natives, Squanto was sold into slavery in Spain. He would manage to escape slavery, journey back to England, and then talk a ship captain into taking him along on his next trip to Cape Cod in 1619.
As Squanto walked back into his home village, he was horrified to find that he was the only surviving member of his village. The rest were either killed in battle or died of illness and disease. Excluding Squanto’s enslavement is to paint an incredibly distorted version of history that suggests Natives like Squanto learned English for no other reason but to help the colonists. It is to glorify the Europeans and erase the struggles and experiences of the Native people.
When history is transformed into myths, tales, and bedtime stories, we ignore historical research that enables us to learn valuable and meaningful lessons about our present, as well as about our future. History is meant to be an accurate and honest account of civilizations, cultures, and events; not a body of ethnocentric and selective alterations.
As Professor Loewen states:
Thanksgiving is full of embarrassing facts. The Pilgrims did not introduce the Native Americans to the tradition; Eastern Indians had observed autumnal harvest celebrations for centuries. Our modern celebrations date back only to 1863; not until the 1890s did the Pilgrims get included in the tradition; no one even called them ‘Pilgrims’ until the 1870s.
I did not write this article with intentions to offend or say we shouldn’t celebrate “Thanksgiving.” None of us are responsible for the atrocious deaths of Natives and Europeans. None of us caused the plague or the massacres. But as human beings, I do feel that it’s important for us to approach history with honesty and sensitivity. Perhaps some of you don’t believe this history is relevant to you, but I would strongly argue that a history that is not inclusive is a dangerously racist and prejudice one. Yes, we should spend time with our families and Loved ones, and yes, we should be grateful and thankful for all that we have, but not at the expense of ignoring an entire race of people, their culture, and their history. The fact that history textbooks and schools try to glorify the Pilgrims while omitting significant facts about the Natives represents that there is a lot to improve in the United States. Let us not become blinded by super-patriotism or blowout sales of “Black Friday.” Let us give some thought to the Native people, learn from their struggles, and embolden ourselves to stand up against racism and genocide in all forms.
They deserve your attention.
~Broken Mystic~
UPDATE: Thank you all for commenting and sharing your thoughts on this post. Unfortunately, I do NOT write on this blog anymore, but you can still share your comments on an updated and revised piece I wrote on my new blog (see link below). Also, there are others who have written excellent articles on the truth of “Thanksgiving” and their work certainly deserves more attention than this post.
Please bring your comments to my new blog here (where I also provide links to must-read articles):
Fatemeh said,
November 27, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Great post. Thanksgiving’s ugly history saps it of real meaning.
eternal_llama said,
November 28, 2008 at 3:16 am
Thanks for writing this. Great post.
Josh L said,
July 22, 2011 at 7:43 am
You should write an article instead of embarrassing yourself with nonsensical profanity.
Josh L said,
July 22, 2011 at 7:44 am
sorry that was meant for the other guy
Gov Bradford said,
November 30, 2008 at 2:42 am
Man, someone takes himself (or herself…wouldn’t want to receive a selfrighteous lecture on gender neutral language) a little too seriously.
Take a chill pill and recognize that your lame attempt to distort the suppossed distortion is indicative of an inability to analyze history as it should be….in context.
You OBVIOUISLY know little about Native American culture and….ironically have fallen prey to the ***same*** revisionist analysis only in reverse.
Finally, I’d guess you have a teeny-weeny penis or are dead ugly or….some other problem that prevents you from a clear analysis. :-0
@$$hole, I’d say. Delete my comment as it does not belong in the free market place of ideas. Hypocrite.
GABBY D said,
October 9, 2010 at 11:03 pm
I think someone else needs a chill pill, n b open minded to the posabilities of the truth…..
Brad said,
November 7, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Actually, using himself and herself is not gender neutral language, you could have said “them self” as this does not impose a gender (imposing two genders is only slightly better than imposing one.)
SOG said,
November 11, 2011 at 6:05 pm
I am Native American and I appreciate this article very much! This idiot GovBradfordSaid is the one that is a moron! I think I know a little something about being NA and I choose not to celebrate the holiday any longer! You are too ignorant of the truth and probably too afraid of the truth!
brokenmystic said,
November 30, 2008 at 4:45 am
Greetings Gov. Bradford,
I believe I researched this particular subject quite thoroughly and I had no intention to distort the history. Please notice that I have cited my sources above and links are provided.
But if you feel that my analysis is off, would you be kind enough to offer a substantial argument rather than spew out profanity and resort to ad hominem attacks?
And yes, I am very ugly. Beware.
Peace.
Josh L said,
July 22, 2011 at 7:42 am
Thanks for the article, I realized a lot of things that I’ve learned are false or was missing facts. A few questions I have about the article:
When Squanto was taken to England, what happened when he got there?
How did Squanto escape slavery in Spain?
Carson said,
December 1, 2008 at 8:16 pm
So now what is to be done!? I try telling the children to be thankful of what we have now (family, friends, etc) and not to forget out the past.
brokenmystic said,
December 1, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Hi Carson, thanks for the comment
In the last paragraph of this post, I mentioned that I didn’t write this post to offend anyone or say we shouldn’t celebrate “Thanksgiving.” We can create our own meaning of the holiday and learn about being grateful. At the same time, I believe we need to acknowledge the history and understand that this land was not simply handed over by the Natives (as others would like us to think). There was a lot of bloodshed, racism, and ethnocentricism. All I’m saying is that we have to stop omitting things from our history for the sake of over-glorifying European colonialism. Our schools and educational systems should be teaching history accurately. We should never forget an entire race of people, especially when they lived here before us.
We also need to detach ourselves from the excessive amount of greed and capitalism that revolves around our holidays. We benefit more when we emphasis on the MEANING rather than on the superficial reasons.
Shawna said,
December 3, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Finally got a chance to finish reading. I want to look for “Lies My Teacher Told Me.” Maybe it will play into some unschooling ‘curriculum’ in our house. Very informative. And thank you for writing this. I always have a strong sense of unease around this time of year. I was horrified by the religious overtones of massacre. Sounds too familiar these days. A country founded on terrorism, some would say. . . Not to open a can of worms. Just a stray thought.
ArianneG said,
December 9, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Thank you for opening my eyes to a part of history most would rather not remember. America may be the home of the brave, but in this light it is the home of the morally despicable. What they are doing in Iraq and Palestine turns my stomach, honestly.
Paul Pullen said,
December 12, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Thanks for the Information
Frank Miller’s “300″ and the Persistence of Accepted Racism « Broken Mystic said,
February 17, 2009 at 5:06 pm
[...] I wrote in my post on “The Truth About Thanksgiving: Brainwashing of the American History Textbook,” omitting and ignoring an entire race of people in historical accounts is a form of racism because [...]
Frank Miller’s “300″ and the Persistence of Accepted Racism at Racialicious - the intersection of race and pop culture said,
February 27, 2009 at 1:01 pm
[...] I wrote in my post on “The Truth About Thanksgiving: Brainwashing of the American History Textbook,” omitting and ignoring an entire race of people in historical accounts is a form of racism [...]
Frank Miller’s “300″ and the Persistence of Accepted Racism « Muslim Reverie said,
July 2, 2009 at 6:05 am
[...] I wrote in my post on “The Truth About Thanksgiving: Brainwashing of the American History Textbook,” omitting and ignoring an entire race of people in historical accounts is a form of racism [...]
Chiara said,
July 2, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Thanks to the link, I’ve come to this post belatedly though admiringly. Native massacres were followed historically by reservations and forced assimilation, that has led to anomic cultures, and gambling, and illegal or quasi-illegal cigarette trading as major professions. In Canada, health statistics for “Native Canadians” are closer to those of the 3rd world than to those of the rest of Canada, and we seem to have a penchant for returning them to the same decrepid housing on the same remote reserve that floods them out each winter.
Most advanced history teaching is about unteaching what was learned in pre-university and even undergrad classes.
Emily said,
October 22, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Hello, I am very interested in this history account and would not doubt it to be true. But, I was wondering, what sources besides the blog website do you have? I don’t know that I want to spread this story as the truth without having facts, and since so many of the stories I’ve found leave out genocide, the Pequot massacre, and the true story of Squanto, I was wondering where one might find for facts about these events/history. Thank you!
brokenmystic said,
October 22, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Hi Emily
Thanks for your comment! My sources are all linked above. Most of it comes from James W. Loewen’s book, “Lies My Teacher Told Me.” Click on the bold-faced words in the post and it will link you to the other sources (which also contain citations).
REAL6 said,
November 26, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Very interesting and thank you for this. May i also post and say: If you all do not not about Canada’s Holocaust then go here or just google it:
http://www.hiddenfromhistory.org/
And here is the 109 mintue video of what happened to Native People of Canada/America
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6637396204037343133#
Thanks again for the read
samra knapp said,
November 26, 2009 at 7:02 pm
ronnie great article that is why as one of Jehovahs Wittnesses we refuse to celebrate these false celebrations only branished with lies as well as teaching that
jesus was born on Christmas Day really the celebration of the goddess mytra the sun worship. shepards wouldnot be out with thier flocks of sheep during that time. and as you mentioned easter no no no! how do you think Jesus would like being affiliated with the unclean pagon routed easter bunny the goddess equal of fertility definetly black Friday is appropriatly named so as every one shoves pushes runs over people that as the so calledloving each other holiday! where and how did this terrible thing get started. Saten of course the god now in charge of this world. good news though Jehovah will take back all and all these falsehoods will end as well as the demise of all the wicked people that blindly follow him. rev 12 1-4 says we will be freed as well as many others are not people tired of the lies of the government and false religion
j
LIsa said,
March 9, 2010 at 10:27 am
This is the most intelligent, well written piece I have seen yet, discussing the misrepresentations of Native Americans in U.S. history.
Without the truth — THE WHOLE TRUTH — of the Native Americans, the African Americans, the Mexicans & the Europeans, the history being taught in our schools is just a fairytale. Thank you for illustrating this point so well.
Andrew Galindo said,
July 8, 2010 at 1:35 pm
America needs the education, my wife just found out about Thanksgiving.
Queen said,
September 30, 2010 at 12:29 am
It is not being “insensitive” to present the truth straight with no chaser. The only people who will be “upset” are the ones who who are comfortable with the lie and the glarmourizing of europeans as good christian pilgrims when that was not the truth at all.
suesel said,
October 10, 2010 at 10:14 pm
How can I share this…can I share this on my facebook?
The Truth About Thanksgiving: Brainwashing of the American History Textbook (via Broken Mystic) | Suesel's Blog said,
October 10, 2010 at 10:34 pm
[...] George Orwell, the author of “1984”, once wrote: “Who controls the past controls the future; who controls the present controls the past.” Such applies to the history of “Thanksgiving.” Those who are indigenous to this land we call “The United States of America” have been long misrepresented and pushed out of American history textbooks in favor of glorifying those who now rule this nation and represent the dominant culture. What kind of democracy … Read More [...]
Dannigirl said,
October 30, 2010 at 6:19 pm
I am so glad I found your website. I was looking for the TRUTH about Thanksgiving! I had briefly heard and anthropologist speaking on this issue and I agree, we as Americans seem to only want to believe that we are better than everyone. We seem to hold ourselv es to a standard that we can’t keep. Shame on us for Not telling the truth!!! Thank You for doing so!!
The Truth About Thanksgiving: Brainwashing of the American History Textbook (via Broken Mystic) | God Inspired Living said,
November 1, 2010 at 3:11 am
[...] George Orwell, the author of “1984”, once wrote: “Who controls the past controls the future; who controls the present controls the past.” Such applies to the history of “Thanksgiving.” Those who are indigenous to this land we call “The United States of America” have been long misrepresented and pushed out of American history textbooks in favor of glorifying those who now rule this nation and represent the dominant culture. What kind of democracy … Read More [...]
Makeydah said,
November 20, 2010 at 1:25 am
It’s so refreshing to see the truth so eloquently written! I love that book too – Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen
Endue said,
November 21, 2010 at 4:09 am
Thanks for sharing this information. Over the course of my life, I have found many truths have intentionally been left out or omitted for our written & oral history. We have adopted traditions without relevant knowledge. I am now actively reassessing EVERYTHING I have been taught and belief.
Carrie said,
November 21, 2010 at 11:26 pm
Thanks for sharing.
LaVerne said,
November 23, 2010 at 6:11 am
I think this is the best post I’ve seen. I think you did a remarkable job. This country needs more truthers. I’m sick of the lies and cover-ups. Thank you. I copied the url and posted it on my Facebook. I should’ve asked for permission first I guess. My apologies. If it’s not okay let me know and I will remove it.
Steph said,
November 24, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Well..i do believe on these facts and i quite enjoy the article you wrote.Thanks for sharing this inspiring information to the world.They either agree or disagree but, thats their decision.
Marsha said,
November 24, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Thank you for this post…part of my ancestry comes from the Passamaquoddy Nation; and I have tried to help educate the mainstream population concerning the truth about Thanksgiving. Many resist this truth; and no wonder…it’s brutal and sad…
But I still try to celebrate Thanksgiving in my own way, but giving thanks to God for what I have, and for the bountiful beauty there still exists in the world. Happy Thanksgiving!
J.Shaffer said,
November 25, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Of note, smallpox did not evolve from cowpox. Cowpox was, in fact, used as a vaccine for smallpox, as having the milder form of pox common to milk maids prevented the more deadly smallpox.
The word vaccine is derived from the base Latin for cow because this was the first preventive innoculation ever used by established medical doctors to stop the spread of disease!
Michelle said,
November 25, 2010 at 4:42 pm
A wonderful post! and very well researched. Our family no longer celebrates this holiday, hence why I am on the internet today instead of baking some Thanksgiving feast. We’ve decided not to acknowledge Thanksgiving because we want to lead our children by example instead of just words. It is a holiday born out of atrocity!
shojka said,
November 25, 2010 at 4:52 pm
hhahaha amecia, land of freedom
LaTosha Stanfield said,
November 25, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Any Goddamn idiot debating the TRuTH of this eloqvent and thoughtfully researched article will burn in hell.
Pierre said,
November 26, 2010 at 10:24 pm
THANKS A LOT BROKEN MYSTIC FOR POSTING THIS ARTICLE ABOUT THANKSGIVING!!.
Most people have been blinded by books and adopted traditions without relevant knowledge…Everyone knows the following sentence” History is written by the winners “…..well nothing did change over the centuries.
The English and the other Europeans did horrible things when they tried to colonize the whole world. The American continent ,Africa, Oceania and Asia.
Despicable horrors have been carried out in the name of religion. Especially christianity , but also Islam and Judaim. Millions have died, and are still dying because the misguiding, ignorance, the LIES of a race over the other one has not not relenting in their bloody thirst to rule over.
Back then, it’ s the same way Arabs from Saoudi Arabia did conquer North of Africa then Spain in the name of religion (reason why so many Spanish words do have an Arabic root ..well few of us didn’t know.)
Today , in the Middle east, we do have the same problems between Palestinians and Jews because of religion , land and books .Unfortunately they still didn’t understand they have the same root (Ali & Eli or Abraham & Ibrahim)….People lying on the name of a religion to justify murders on both sides
That’ s funny how come in the name of religion people can be lie to justify their crime and turn them into profit !!!
BY THE WAY THEIR ONLY ONE RACE SINCE WE ARE ALL MIX AT SOME POINT…AND RELIGION IS JUST AN INTERPRETATION FROM ONE TO ANOTHER…JUST AN OTHER BRAINSHWASH OVER AN OTHER ONE SINCE THEY ARE SIMILAR ..SEE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT..
THANKS AGAIN BROKEN MYSTIC !!
Smoke Detector said,
December 3, 2010 at 6:09 am
actually, i watched this movie twice because i sort of laughed a lot on the ugly truth movie *:’
hp said,
January 7, 2011 at 12:57 pm
I took a course at the university on Native Americans some years ago and I can recall most of what you posted.
Great job on getting the truth out. If we picked up some GOOD books from time to time or took more course we’d be a much more intelligent population.
Granite Tiles said,
January 24, 2011 at 12:55 am
I am really thankful to this topic because it really gives great information ,`*
Rosi said,
February 5, 2011 at 6:54 pm
First i would like to thank Broken Mystic to post this valuable information. I am also more pleased and surprised that so many people have assimilated this so truth information. This is how we see that there is some progress in people’s understanding when it comes to this country and truths, not all is lost.
Although i was very pleased to read this information and foward it to some of my relatives, i got a little concerned; and that was when the author of the article said that he was not implying that we should not be celebrating Thanksgivin. His comment was contradicting to the article. First of all we should give thanks to the Most High for all we have EVERY SINGLE DAY. Second of all, if somebody is telling me a horrible truth about something i am celebrating, i should not even consider celebrating that anymore, for me that is common sense. Again you don’t need to wait until a particular day in November to give thanks for all you have and to gather with family, you can do that year round.
Anyways, I am pleased that more people are knowing this truths and i just hope that more people are open to hear more other tuths.
Peace be.
Lee said,
April 14, 2011 at 4:27 pm
I came across this page by trying to explain to my ex-husband what Thanksgiving was really about. He did not believe me. I am a California Native and White. My Father side of the family is not Native and I am amazed how many people still don’t reconize the truth. Including my Dad’s side of the family. My son came home from school with a pligram hat on celebrating this day. It was like fire lit up inside me. I believe to make our wrongs what is right, to heal our country we need to begin with this truth in our history. The suffering still is going on that is going unoticed and covered up. This is not just in our history but is in our present. I can only Pray that the healing begins someday, but for now there lives a uneasiness in my spirit about this. I will continue to learn about my people that was taken away before my time and continue to teach my Son so the truth can always be told. Thank You for your reseach…..
Angela Mercer said,
October 18, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Nothing like telling the truth. I am going to be sharing this with my children this year before heading out to spend time with family on Thanksgiving. I will explain that I am going to visit family but do not condone the actions of the European people. I do not represent the “American” version…it is embarressing to realize that I have some freedoms because of the sacrafice of so many Natives.
vanessa cardoza said,
October 31, 2011 at 5:36 pm
now whats crazy is tht everybody already know’s what happend to us natives.the truth about thanksgiving shouldnt come as any surprise thats how i feel about it.I do like this post and respect it because even though i do have a spanish last name i am mexican indian n does hurt to know that the education system is feeding lies to kids wen they are so fast to speak about slavery and slave ships.Why cant they speak the truth about my people or how most native tongue is extinct? any who thank you for the post.I hope people will seek the truth’s about every holiday not just “Thanksgiving” peace.
Kathryn (@katjett68) said,
November 9, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Since some of the traditional FOOD on this celebrated day in America is my son’s fave we have a nice meal. However, as a homeschooler, I teach him the TRUTH. Great post. ~Blessings
A. Mack said,
November 17, 2011 at 10:51 pm
The Feast of 1621 was shared celebration between THE MAYFLOWER PILGRIMS & THE WAMPANOAG INDIANS. No one killed anyone else. Our modern Thanksgiving is about JUST those 2 groups, NOT previous or later arriving colonists & their violent acts. The Indians saved Pilgrim lives w/ farming skills. The Pilgrims saved Indian lives w/scientific medical skills. The Pilgrims shared their metal tools & muskets & when asked by Chief Massasoit, agreed to fight on the side of the Wampanoag in their battles against other Indian tribes, NOT European colonists. Harvest Feasts had been going on all over the globe for centuries. As was the custom, a Prayer of THANKS before the meal was offered. Both groups contributed the food. Games, sport & dining was shared for 3 days. HUMAN, not only “white” history is filled w/violence & pain. However, what is now referred to as THE FIRST THANKSGIVING was a BRIGHT (if brief) MOMENT OF PEACE & BROTHERHOOD; an excellent example of people of different cultures working together for their mutual benefit. The peace didn’t last; so does that mean we DON’T celebrate it’s initial existence!? THERE IS NOTHING . . . NOTHING IN THE WAMPANOAG/PILGRIM AUTUMN 1621 STORY WHICH DESERVES DENIGRATION & SHAMING. Why can’t you look for the GOOD in human beings!? Peace ALL. Happy Thanksgiving!
brokenmystic said,
December 23, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Follow the link to my new blog and read the additional readings I provided at the bottom. That will clear up your misunderstandings.
Also, please stop using the “colorblind” argument by saying “we’re all human beings.” Yes, we know we are all human, but the world doesn’t operate like that. There are oppressive social, economic, and racial hierarchies that work to treat people differently based on perceived differences.
Screaming at people and saying, “Why can’t you look for the GOOD in human beings!?” implies several things:
You’re suggesting that I don’t appreciate the good things in people and life in general – and you make this claim confidently even if you don’t know who I am. Also, you want to derail this conversation away from the actual events itself: genocide against Native Americans. You fail to see how erasure of an entire group results in systematic racism.
So, let me reverse it on you and ask, “Why can’t you look at the terrible things other human beings have done and how their actions still impact and affect other human beings today?” Surely, you are aware of the current struggles indigenous people face, right?
If you care so much about other people, then stand up for them. Stand up against the racist system that grossly distorts or erases the truth from history textbooks. Doesn’t that upset you?
Inga_O said,
November 19, 2011 at 10:41 pm
The truth is being share and I believe more and more people are waking up to the truth. Thank you for doing your part in imparting knowledge. The lies can no longer be sustained in the face of higher consciousness.
brokenmystic said,
November 20, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Hi everyone,
Thank you all for your comments! I actually don’t write on this blog anymore, but if you wish to discuss this further, please bring your comments over to the revised article I wrote on my new blog:
http://muslimreverie.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/thanksgiving-and-forgotten-genocide-brainwashing-of-american-textbooks/
Thanks again.
ali said,
November 20, 2011 at 11:51 pm
this was awful everything you said was so sad:( i wish teachers wouldnt keep this kind of information from us
shondraiya jones said,
November 21, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Wooooow I’m so glad that you posted this and took time out to really break down the true meaning of THANKSGIVING thank you for really opening my eyes on this horrific tragedy that took place many years ago.
The Truth about Thanksgiving on Turtle Island | | said,
November 21, 2011 at 6:46 pm
[...] Perhaps most disturbingly, it is strongly argued by many historians that the Pequot Massacre led to the “Thanksgiving” festivities. The day after the massacre, the aforementioned Governor Massachusetts Bay Colony declared: “A day of Thanksgiving, thanking God that they had eliminated over 700 men, women and children.” It was signed into law that, “This day forth shall be a day of celebration and thanksgiving for subduing the Pequots.” – BrokenMystic [...]
itsfortheladies.com (@itsfortheladies) said,
November 21, 2011 at 10:24 pm
The Truth behing “Thanksgiving”
Davied Hill said,
November 22, 2011 at 8:26 pm
celebrating slaughter…..unh unh uhh.
Davied Hill said,
November 22, 2011 at 8:28 pm
happy thankstaking/thankskilling
Happy Thanksgiving? NO THANKS! « America:Losing the Empire said,
November 23, 2011 at 2:15 am
[...] and the fragile early peace between Native Americans and the early settlers would soon unravel in a horrific manner in what is now Mystic Connecticut, where the Pequot tribe was celebrating their own Thanksgiving, [...]
barton said,
November 23, 2011 at 8:45 am
This truth is not surprising at all to me. And, it is partly why I do not celebrate thanksgiving. For me, the orgin, purpose or truth behind such things is more important than the thing, event, holiday, etc. We should all consider what it means to the Natives as we continue to celebrate such atrocities today. As the off spring of generations of slaves, I certainly understand how they feel.
Sean said,
November 23, 2011 at 3:46 pm
Certain people scared of the truth , it’s just the weakness in them they weak . I read I enjoy , I pray . Thanks.
Marie Murphy said,
November 23, 2011 at 10:03 pm
I would love to share this but do not know how. maybe on my facebook page or even email it to others. HELP! Thanks Maria
Minerva Grayson-Humphrie said,
November 24, 2011 at 12:14 am
The Thanksgiving Holiday is not to be celebrated!
Roy Perez said,
November 24, 2011 at 1:26 am
Its ok to hate the truth at times.
Sar Swift Justice said,
November 24, 2011 at 12:14 pm
European holidays are everyone elses horror-days.
Jay Hutchinson said,
November 24, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I couldn’t agree with any article more than I do this article. Being a descendant of the native people, as well as Black Africans, I find it ONLY the work/grace/mercy of the almighty God that I am not a devout racist against Europeans. I DO, however, have an extreme difficulty with trusting them…with great and growing reason, or should I say, due to their current and past actions. Great beacon of truth is this article!
The Truth About Thanksgiving: Brainwashing of the American History Textbook | Lies And Conspiracy said,
November 24, 2011 at 3:27 pm
[...] This article can be found Here [...]
phildk said,
November 24, 2011 at 6:27 pm
I don’t really get it. Europeans came to America to find new opportunity. They encountered the native people living there, who had inferior technology and lacked immunity to certain diseases. The colonists more or less wiped out these native people. It was at times brutal.
What were the colonists supposed to do upon meeting the native people? Say, “oops, someone already lives here” and go back across the Atlantic?
How was the clash between the colonists and native peoples anything other than survival of the fittest? The Europeans came with their superior weapons and diseases that killed the native people. They won.
One of the real myths that needs to be dispelled is that of the noble savage. This idyllic romanticizing of the native people of America is pure fantasy. They were people. They were no more or less violent than the Europeans were. They just lost. Maybe it’s unfair, but it’s what happened, and who says life is fair, anyway?
brokenmystic said,
November 24, 2011 at 11:20 pm
Wow. So, you’re basically saying, “Hey, the European colonialists brutally massacred and wiped out Native peoples, but that’s life!” Implying that Native Americans must disappear and that European colonialists were the rightful inheritors of indigenous land *is* the logic of genocide.
tellok said,
November 24, 2011 at 7:25 pm
I have never once in my 53 Thanksgivings heard anyone say anything about giving thanks to what was done to the Native Americans (my aunt and grandmother are Native American). It is no more than a harvest festival, a time to come together and give thanks, period.
Nor was I ever “brainwashed” into anything like that at school. It may well be in other states and school districts, and if so, that’s worse than sad. (I also was a teacher for 20 years, and never heard anything like that being taught.)
brokenmystic said,
November 24, 2011 at 11:17 pm
I see. So, if your history lessons never romanticized European colonialists and American Indian genocide, does that mean it doesn’t happen? Aside from my personal experiences with this kind of racist socialization in elementary school, did you miss the references I made in this post?
karina said,
November 24, 2011 at 7:37 pm
wow this is upsetting in every part of history that we have theres always something shady done by the “americans”
Yael Acher - Modiano said,
November 25, 2011 at 12:42 am
Thanks for this important information.
george-allan said,
November 25, 2011 at 5:08 am
Hello friend, Great article you’ve written and put out here! Thanks for doing so! The entire World needs to be taught True history! My ancestry goes back to the Eastern Pequot…..not sure about the massacre happening on CT though, as I was born and raised on Rhode Island & grew up mere miles from what is known as, “The Great Swamp”! Google….”The Great Swamp Massacre” That was on Rhode Island, not CT….regardless of exact location, thanks much for putting this article up for All who have eyes to see!
By: george-allan
Nic Robertson said,
November 25, 2011 at 8:08 am
great article
melanie said,
November 26, 2011 at 1:34 am
It has always been the same thru time. The victorious write history. Right/wrong has no play in who keeps the records. As parents it is our job to keep the truth available to our children and show them the truth as we can best learn it.
Jim Rodgers said,
November 26, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Mvto pronounced (Ma-do) means (Thank you in Muskogee) for the post. I appreciate the facts or brain washing anytime.
That Gov. Bradford is a basket case and should be institutionalize.
I have a annual bonfire on the night of Halloween to celebrate Native American Brothers and Sisters. It for me is a night of strong heartfelt memories of the facts about what has taken place in the ugly mean history of terrorism in the USA. I should do similar actives for thanksgiving and christmas as well.
I also celebrates the last night of my ancestors removal form Alabama by the supremacists.
An Estimated 18,000,000 Native Americans were killed so all the fat, selfish, narrow minded, earth eating Invaders can have what they have today. Most people never think about how NA’s where treated. The sadist part is that there are too many people walking around us today that would choose to do it all over again.
Marlon D. Netters said,
November 29, 2011 at 3:08 pm
What an amazing article I find it rather intelligibly enticing. This article explains the true essence of this American history that we all have been brained washed to believe inorder to control the masses. Dr. Martin L. king siad in one of his speeches that he had read a book titls Mind Comp where it stated that ” If you are going to tell a lie tell a big lie. Because if you tell it long and loud enough everyone will soon believe it even yourself…. He stated that is how Hitler became such an great dictator in his time. See we all have been programmed by those who understands this deceptive practice of deciet. See the Word of the Lord states that ” My people perish for the lack of knowledge.” See true enlightment breeds independent thought and independent thought breaks the chains of mental bondage which controls the masses. Now to some people this may sound Un-Americian or Un-Patriotic because you choose not to accept that which you know not to be true. See this country we all live in and I’m going to take it a little further,this world we all live in was and still is being controlled by those who believe that they have been chosen by God to rule and govern this planet and that they are the only ones that knows what is better for the human race. They are not really concern about the race of the people they control they just want total control. Now! How do they reach this agender? By distorting the history and legecy of those who doesn’t understands the true power of their own individuality. Now! let me put it to you another way.The word “Histroy” the dictionary defines this word as a story or record of importants ” emphasizing IMPORTANT” past events connected with a person or a nation un-qoute. See we all are making our own history everyday and the history of my life will be totally different then the history of yours. Then true history of any people or nation is solely the experiences that we all contributes to this world society we all live in. Not based on the ideology of one person or group but by the life experiences and accounts of those who has lived his or hers own history. Now! I don’t exspect everyone to agree with what I’m saying mainly becase this is part of my HISTORY an opinion and history allowes us to our own opinion that’s our right. So with closing I’ll like to say! ” May you always remember that one mans history is another mans story and how that story is being told will determine that mans HISTORY and the history of a people or a nation. God bless and stay true to HISTORY………
Malificent said,
December 4, 2011 at 11:23 pm
I believe every word
Bub Dylan said,
December 23, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Hey brokenmissedit, why don’t you answer A. Mack’s post #43?
brokenmystic said,
December 23, 2011 at 5:39 pm
“brokenmissedit”?
Are you in the 2nd grade?
Bub Dylan said,
December 23, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Karina, there’s always something shady done by “people.” Americans are just as good and bad as anybody. But this debunker impulse some people follow to drag Americans through the mud is myth-making just as shoddy as that which they claim to debunk.
brokenmystic said,
December 23, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Notice how you use the term “Americans” as code for white people. Your comment reaffirms the discourses about white supremacy in the US and how people of color are constantly marked as “racial Others.”