Ooh, that school! --Thanksgiving post #2

School says Thanksgiving is for 'mourning'

Ooh. OK, let's say a bunch of Indians were slaughtered. Why do I care? There's turkey, man. When else do we eat turkey? They're dead now anyways!

...perhaps that is a bit insensitive. I am unsure if I should retract those words or not, because it is true. However, it is insensitive. Let me...reword this.


Ooh. OK, let's say a bunch of Indians were slaughtered. I care very much. There's turkey, man. When else do we eat turkey? They're still alive!


There. Much better. More positive.

The article quotes:

"What is it about the story of 'The First Thanksgiving' that makes it essential to be taught in virtually every grade from preschool through high school? What is it about the story that is so seductive? Why has it become an annual elementary school tradition to hold Thanksgiving pageants, with young children dressing up in paper-bag costumes and feather-duster headdresses and marching around the schoolyard? Why is it seen as necessary for fake 'pilgrims' and fake 'Indians' (portrayed by real children, many of whom are Indian) to sit down every year to a fake feast, acting out fake scenarios and reciting fake dialogue about friendship? And why do teachers all over the country continue (for the most part, unknowingly) to perpetuate this myth year after year after year?" the two write.

That's about as strange as asking why Christmas plays are played. Or why Halloween celebrations are held. They talk like they have a point of some kind, though, don't they?

The article quotes on:

"Is it because as Americans we have a deep need to believe that the soil we live on and the country on which it is based was founded on integrity and cooperation? This belief would help contradict any feelings of guilt that could haunt us when we look at our role in more recent history in dealing with other indigenous peoples in other countries. If we dare to give up the 'myth' we may have to take responsibility for our actions both concerning indigenous peoples of this land as well as those brought to this land in violation of everything that makes us human," the two said.

I don't get this whole "national guilt" thing that I am supposed to feel. Someone needs to explain it to me, because truthfully, I do not get it.


Someone, please explain national guilt to me, so I can stop feeling guilty about not knowing what national guilt means. Pretty please? Some bored mother out there that feels like nourishing a youngling's mind? Some childless father or grandfather that feels like mentoring a listening ear attached to a mind with curiosity which knows no bounds?



[six days to Thanksgiving]