HISTORY This Week: Episode Summary - "Thanksgiving Reconsidered"

Introduction

In the episode titled "Thanksgiving Reconsidered," released on November 25, 2024, Sally Helm, host of HISTORY This Week, delves deep into the origins and evolution of the Thanksgiving holiday. The episode challenges the traditional narrative, shedding light on the often-overlooked perspectives of Native Americans and the historical events that have shaped the contemporary celebration of Thanksgiving.

The Thanksgiving Myth vs. Historical Reality

The episode begins with a poignant exploration of Plymouth Rock's significance. Sally Helm narrates:

"Plymouth Rock the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts makes a very big deal about Plymouth Rock. Supposedly, it's the place where the Pilgrims first set foot in what is now the United States 350 years ago." [01:29]

Keisha James, granddaughter of Wamsada Frank James—a central figure in the 1970 national day of mourning—provides a critical perspective on the sanitized history taught in schools:

"In school, I was given a picture book... It told a simple story. The Pilgrims came to the New World seeking religious freedom... they became best friends. America was founded. The end." [06:49]

She highlights the inaccuracies in this narrative, emphasizing that the Native American population was not a monolithic group and that her ancestors, the Wampanoag, had a rich and complex history long before European settlers arrived.

Expert Insights: David Silverman

David Silverman, a professor at George Washington University and author of "This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving," provides an academic lens to the discussion. He recounts his own indoctrination into the Thanksgiving myth:

"I distinctly recall participating in a Thanksgiving pageant...the Pilgrims have these obscenely large buckles...the Native people look like caricatures of Plains Indians from Hollywood." [08:18]

Silverman criticizes the historical inaccuracies commonly portrayed, such as the misrepresentation of Native American tribes and the Pilgrims' appearance. He stresses that the true story is far more tragic and complex, involving immense suffering and conflict.

The Origins of the Protests: 1970 National Day of Mourning

The core of the episode revolves around the 1970 protest organized by Wamsada Frank James and his family. In response to the 350th anniversary of the Mayflower's landing, James sought to bring attention to the atrocities committed against Native Americans. He recounts:

"He was told by his instructor that no symphony orchestra would ever hire him because of the color of his skin... he fully decided then that he wasn't going to try to assimilate anymore or play the white man's game anymore. He was just going to be." [31:15]

Face with a diluted narrative, James refused to conform to state expectations and instead took a stand by declaring a national day of mourning. On Thanksgiving Day 1970, approximately 200 people gathered at Coles Hill in Plymouth around the statue of Massasoit. The protest included symbolic acts such as burying Plymouth Rock in sand and desecrating commemorative structures to challenge the enduring myths surrounding Thanksgiving.

The Evolution of Thanksgiving Narratives

The episode traces how the Thanksgiving myth was propagated over centuries, often serving political and social agendas. Silverman explains:

"During those years, New Englanders keep celebrating their traditional days of Thanksgiving... in 1841, a primary source document from back in the 1600s is published... It describes this feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag... the idea sticks." [28:35]

He underscores that the narrative was further cemented during the Civil War and the rise of Protestant immigration, making it a tool to assert cultural dominance and obscure the violent history of colonialism.

Continuing the Legacy: Modern-Day Reflections

Keisha James continues her family's legacy by organizing annual protests that challenge the traditional Thanksgiving story. She reflects on her grandfather's unwavering commitment:

"Every single year, regardless of how many people were there or how violent the cops got... this was just an important narrative to continuously challenge." [34:44]

Keisha emphasizes the importance of these gatherings in reclaiming indigenous history and ensuring that the true stories of her ancestors are not forgotten.

Conclusion

"Thanksgiving Reconsidered" offers a comprehensive examination of the origins and perpetuation of Thanksgiving myths. By incorporating personal narratives, expert analysis, and historical context, the episode invites listeners to critically reassess the commonly held beliefs about this national holiday. It underscores the necessity of acknowledging and honoring the complex and often painful histories of Native American communities.

Notable Quotes

• Keisha James: "I think I was a little baffled as to why we were taught this very sanitized and false version of the Thanksgiving story." [07:24]

• David Silverman: "This story is not a feel-good, patriotic story. It's a horror story." [09:09]

• David Silverman: "They [Pilgrims] thought they were practicing the true faith and their tolerance for people who dissented from their beliefs. It was very slim." [15:27]

• Keisha James: "Here this evening is living testimony that this is only the beginning of the American Indian, particularly the Wampanoag, to regain the position in this country that is rightfully ours." [35:31]

Acknowledgments

The episode features contributions from Keisha James, Paula Peters, and David Silverman, whose insights provide depth and authenticity to the narrative. Additionally, Sally Helm acknowledges the production team, including Ben Dickstein, Julie Magruder, Julia Press, Brian Flood, and Emma Fredericks, whose efforts bring the episode to life.

For more detailed explorations of historical events and perspectives, subscribe to HISTORY This Week on your preferred podcast platform.