Did everyone have a great Thanksgiving? I did, but somethingās been bothering me over the past few days. It began when I read Tareauās commentary. You can find it here. His description of Indigenous Peopleās Sunrise Gathering elicited some ill feelings. I was just about to sit down and enjoy half a Cornish hen, mashed potatoes and green beans that Iād prepared.
I consider myself pretty conscious. So I thought I was doing pretty good not overindulging in turkey, dressing and other common staples. Certainly, Tareau wasnāt talking to me. Was he? I know the trials and tribulations of Native Americans. Surely, I can enjoy my food and be #woke. Right?
I finished my dinner and stumbled across Darrylās post, explicitly titled, Thanksgiving and Black Friday: The Epitome of American Culture. Was the universe trying to tell me something? Darryl very succinctly explained the irony of the American football game for the day. Well, thereās nothing I could do about NFL scheduling, so I didnāt feel as bad, but I did begin to think that maybe baking hens isnāt enough of a rebellious stance.
My next stop was Facebook. Unfortunately, I didnāt screenshot my friendās post, but hereās a loose paraphrase:
We all know where Thanksgiving came from so stop telling everybody about the Indians. Today is a day when most of us just get together to be with family and eat food, so enjoy it the best way you know how.
On the one hand, I used to be one of those didactic people sharing all kinds of information about Native Americans and how this wasnāt a holiday for them. On the other hand, I understood what he was saying. The holiday has changed. Weāre not pilgrims celebrating the deaths of indigenous people. Weāre people eating food with family.
Just when Iād begun feeling okay about how Iād celebrated this year, Dwight posted four things; two were about the Dakota Pipeline and the other two? Thanksgiving origins.
We talked about it during our Sunday walk.
āYou got me thinking about planning a family trip to Plymouth Rock!ā
āI was thinking the same thing,ā he said.
By the end of our walk, Iād decided this. Whatever I do for any holiday is fine, as long as Iām doing it consciously. This year I was mindful about the amount of food the girls and I cooked, and Iām good with that. Thereās no leftover anything and I donāt have to force someone to eat turkey for seven days. Conversely, Dwight and I could have a more in-depth conversation with the girls about why thereās a so-called Thanksgiving. If we add a road trip to Massachusetts, then Iāll let you all know. But for now, thatās as far as our activism will reach.
What about you? I know the holiday is over, but Iām wondering why, how and if you celebrate? Do you consider indigenous people on this day? How active do you have to be to be an activist?
