Throughline: The Mother of Thanksgiving

Episode Title: The Mother of Thanksgiving
Host/Author: NPR’s Throughline, hosted by Rund Abdelfattah and Ramtin Arablouei
Release Date: November 21, 2024

Introduction to Thanksgiving's Myth

In the episode "The Mother of Thanksgiving," hosts Rund Abdelfattah and Ramtin Arablouei delve into the origins and evolution of the American Thanksgiving holiday. They challenge the commonly held narrative of a harmonious feast between Pilgrims and Native Americans, exploring the complexities and historical truths that underpin the celebration.

The True Story: Pilgrims and Wampanoag

Ramtin Arablouei begins by recounting the traditional story of Thanksgiving, highlighting the 1621 feast between the English colonists (Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag people. Historian David Silverman provides critical insight, stating:

“That’s now called the First Thanksgiving.” ([02:20])

“Remembering this meeting is just about friendship and gratitude actually robs this very real event of all of its historical context.” ([03:39])

Elizabeth James Perry, a member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe, adds depth to the narrative by explaining the Pilgrims' struggles upon arrival:

“When the English first arrived, they were small in number, they were newcomers, and they were struggling badly because they weren’t necessarily all farmers back where they came from either.” ([02:52])

King Philip’s War and Its Aftermath

The episode transitions to the darker chapters of Native and colonial relations, focusing on King Philip’s War (1675-1678). Rund Abdelfattah narrates how tensions escalated between the Wampanoag tribe led by Chief Metacom and the English colonists, leading to a devastating conflict.

David Silverman emphasizes the imbalance of power and the brutal consequences:

“They kill thousands of them and enslave many more and sell them off to the Caribbean and to the Mediterranean.” ([05:57] - [06:04])

The war culminated in horrific acts, including the decapitation of Chief Metacom, whose head was displayed publicly for 20 years—a grim reminder of the feast's location:

“A military captain named Benjamin Church isn’t finished... And it stays there for 20 years. This is the very site where that feast took place.” ([06:10] - [06:58])

Elizabeth James Perry reflects on the marginalization of tribal nations:

“Tribal nations are such a tiny portion of the population. That’s not by accident. And nobody talks about you except when there’s a butterball on the table.” ([07:08])

Sarah Josepha Hale and the Campaign for a National Holiday

The narrative shifts to Sarah Josepha Hale, a pivotal figure in establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Rund Abdelfattah introduces her early life and literary achievements, with historian Melanie Kirkpatrick providing context:

“She was probably one of the most highly educated women of the first quarter of the 19th century.” ([13:56])

Hale’s relentless advocacy is highlighted through her persistent efforts to persuade governors and President Abraham Lincoln. Despite initial resistance, Hale's influence through her magazine, Godey's Ladies' Book, played a crucial role:

“She thought that if we could all come together and celebrate on the same day, that would help to bring Americans together.” ([21:42])

Her correspondence with President Lincoln culminates in the historic proclamation:

“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States... to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving.” ([34:34])

Mythologization of Thanksgiving

The episode examines how Thanksgiving was mythologized over time, particularly through media and education. Painter Jean Leon Jerome Ferris’s 1912 work, The First Thanksgiving, epitomizes the sanitized and idealized version of the event, portraying peaceful interaction and mutual respect, which historian David Silverman critiques:

“To have Europeans sitting at a table and Native people sitting on the ground is designed to accentuate that the English are civilized and that the natives are savage.” ([44:16])

This portrayal became entrenched in American culture, shaping generations' perceptions and overshadowing the complex and often violent history between settlers and Native Americans.

Perspectives from Native Americans and Historians

Elizabeth James Perry provides a contemporary Native American perspective, emphasizing resilience and the importance of authentic historical narratives:

“It wasn’t about, get a load of this turkey. Turkey wasn’t new for us. Cranberries were new. I don’t know what to say. New England wasn’t new. I mean, we kind of like...” ([47:21] - [48:16])

Historian David Silverman critiques the perpetuation of myths, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of history:

“History is not about trying to make people feel guilty or ashamed, patriotic or unpatriotic. It’s designed to capture a complex past in all of its complexity.” ([48:57])

Conclusion: Thanksgiving’s Legacy and Its Complex Narrative

The episode concludes by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Thanksgiving and its role in American identity. While acknowledging the holiday’s capacity to foster unity and gratitude, Throughline underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing its historical complexities.

Historian Melanie Kirkpatrick and Elizabeth James Perry highlight the ongoing struggle to balance celebration with historical truth, urging listeners to engage with Thanksgiving’s multifaceted legacy critically.

“These national holidays, they remind us of what it means to be an American number one. And then they also give us a chance to celebrate our nation.” ([49:37])

David Silverman adds a final reflection on the potential for unity amidst historical complexities:

“There will never be unity around complex historical subjects. They’re too complex.” ([49:21])

Key Takeaways:

• Thanksgiving’s traditional narrative is a simplified myth that overlooks the harsh realities of colonialism and Native American experiences.
• Sarah Josepha Hale’s advocacy was instrumental in shaping Thanksgiving into a national holiday aimed at unifying a divided nation.
• The mythologization of Thanksgiving has had lasting impacts on American cultural memory, often at the expense of historical accuracy.
• Contemporary Native American voices and historians call for a more honest and inclusive recounting of Thanksgiving’s history.

Notable Quotes:

• Elizabeth James Perry: “Tribal nations are such a tiny portion of the population. That’s not by accident. And nobody talks about you except when there’s a butterball on the table.” ([07:08])
• David Silverman: “Remembering this meeting is just about friendship and gratitude actually robs this very real event of all of its historical context.” ([03:39])
• Sarah Josepha Hale (Excerpt): “Let us consecrate the day to benevolence of action by sending good gifts to the poor...” ([29:03])
• David Silverman: “History is not about trying to make people feel guilty or ashamed, patriotic or unpatriotic. It’s designed to capture a complex past in all of its complexity.” ([48:57])

Final Thoughts

"Throughline's" episode on Thanksgiving provides a compelling exploration of how national narratives are constructed and the importance of critically engaging with history. By unraveling the layers of myth and reality, the podcast encourages listeners to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves and the histories we choose to remember.