|
I have native blooded American friends. I did not send out Happy Thanksgivings to anyone unless they sent me one first.
Once I was educated on the history of thanksgiving.. it didn't seem something to be all that proud of anymore.
However, we live in a different time now. The history of the native American Indian is tragic, but what is done is done. We can only remember and pay tribute.
To me and most other Americans, Thanksgiving has transcended not into a tradition of honoring our white pilgrims who turned around and slaughtered natives who welcomed them, but for more about our immediate family and loved ones. Its a time when most (less and less it seems though) have time off from work to sit down with their families and share a meal together. Which is meant to be a bonding experience.
My part native blooded American girlfriend made me a thanksgiving dinner today while I sat on the couch and watched my Lions lose. Traditionally ;) I certainly didn't force her to make it, she wanted to on her own accord and I didn't even buy the food, however she never made a thanksgiving dinner until she met me.
There are many Caucasian Americans who are compassionate to native American History, but we can't just make it go away.
Do I need to eat a traditional thanksgiving dinner? No, but it would feel weird not to. That was the food of native Americans.
Thanksgiving is humble day for me, In some ways I am happy, but there will always be a somber element now when it comes to native Americans. I don't think I am alone.
|