Circles of Fire

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The historical narrative that surrounds the American Thanksgiving feast is fairly recent.

The purportedly idyllic partnership between the European Pilgrims and New England Indians is actually only about 120 years old. After WWI, the story that we learn in school today became THE story. I believe deeply in the power of re-appropriating racist and sexist traditions, but I do not believe that we can effectively do that if we do not know the history of what we’re re-appropriating. So, today I’m sharing some links that I’ve used as resources over the years that have helped me understand the holiday, the story and get a little closer to the truth. We know that victors write history books, but we also know it’s our job to correct and re-write them.

No thanks: A little historical truth-telling about Thanksgiving - Eesha Pandit, Feministing.com, 11/23/11

Check out the full article for excerpts and links to other sources that tell the story of thanksgiving as it is rarely told in school. 

Thanksgiving is a deeply important holiday in my family, and every year since I came into a more radical consciousness, I wrestle with how to integrate my politics with the historical and personal meanings attached to this day. I’m glad that resources like this are circulating today.