Imagine it’s the fourth Thursday of November; you and your family are sitting around a table, surrounding a large turkey. The family banters, bringing up controversial topics from years past, as well as who they voted for in the presidential election.
The holiday of Thanksgiving originates from a troubled past. Its history includes that of colonization and puts a pretty filter over the stolen land and lives of indigenous Americans. Yet, millions of families around the nation are brought together by this special day, giving thanks for what they are grateful for. So, does this day glorify a false past, or instead bring America’s current population together?
The image of a long table, full of food, with both happy pilgrims and smiling Native Americans was instilled in students through our school systems. From a young age, Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrating fall foods, family, and togetherness. For these reasons, we must continue to recognize Thanksgiving's oppressive history while building community and educating youth.
Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863, during the Civil War. Just a year earlier, government agents starved the Dakota-Sioux, a tribe native to present-day Minnesota, by withholding food. The tribe members fought back, and the government believed that this warranted an execution. As a result, 38 Dakota men were hung at the orders of President Lincoln. This contributed to an oppressive relationship between the indigenous community and government. Afraid of what this bad blood might cause, Lincoln created “Thanksgiving,” a holiday meant to bring people together during the fall season.
Berkeley High School students are glad to use this holiday as a break as finals approach. The week off in November gives time to rest as schoolwork picks up while allowing some to spend time with family or travel, luxuries usually not possible until winter break. The commercialization of Thanksgiving has made many unaware of Thanksgiving's cruel past. The production of food increases as people stock up on ingredients. In fact, the average carbon footprint of a Thanksgiving dinner is 103 pounds of CO2.
Thanksgiving's unifying aspects are also a large part of today's celebrations. An example of this is “Friendsgiving”: the same idea as Thanksgiving, except with celebrating the togetherness of friends and “chosen” family. Friends will share a meal, and use this holiday to be thankful for each other’s presence.
Thanksgiving brings together families who haven’t seen each other in a while, but this is also known for creating tension and conflicts. According to Physiology Today, there are tangible reasons for these consequences. The first has to do with the travel aspect of the holiday. Jet lag from cross-country travel can cause bad moods among family members. The exhaustion of traveling and sleep deprivation can have serious impacts. Another reason is the overindulgence that comes with Thanksgiving. Alcohol, especially in high amounts, is known for causing impairment which can make new conflicts arise.
It’s undeniable that Thanksgiving stemmed from the oppression of indigenous peoples in our nation, and we must continue to educate Americans — of all ages and backgrounds — of this nuanced and harmful history. However, today, this holiday can help bring people together and provide a space to practice thankfulness. Reflecting on the past while fostering unity, gratitude, and love, will make Thanksgiving more meaningful to all.