But Thanksgiving is not just a twisted fable, and the mythology it nurtures is itself inherently evil. The real-life events – subsequently revised – were perfectly understood at the time as the first, definitive triumphs of the genocidal European project in New England. The near-erasure of Native Americans in Massachusetts and, soon thereafter, from most of the remainder of the northern English colonial seaboard was the true mission of the Pilgrim enterprise – Act One of the American Dream. African Slavery commenced contemporaneously – an overlapping and ultimately inseparable Act Two.
"But for the natives in these parts, God hath so pursued them, as for 300 miles space the greatest part of them are swept away by smallpox which still continues among them. So as God hath thereby cleared our title to this place, those who remain in these parts, being in all not 50, have put themselves under our protection."
John Winthrop founder of the Massachusetts Bay Colony
I always enjoy Thanksgiving. I like to eat good food, spend time with family and friends and think about what I am grateful for in my life. The history behind the holiday is an ugly and evil one, however. When the Pilgrims thanked God in those days they were thankful that their efforts to eradicate of the Native American population were moving along as planned.
Have a happy Thanksgiving, but skip the genocidal thoughts as you enjoy your turkey.