Those anti-Thanksgiving sentiments -- while possibly valid -- are misguided. Or, misdirected.
In celebrating Thanksgiving, we're not celebrating what the pilgrims and Indians did, and how they treated each other through the years.
The holiday has evolved into a time to set aside time in our busy lives and be grateful.
It's like Christmas and the general good feeling we have. Yes, we should try to have that goodwill-toward-your-fellow-man spirit every day. But, there's nothing wrong with emphasizing it for a short spell.
We should always be thankful. But, what's wrong with setting aside a specific time for one giant THANK YOU!
So, thanks, John, for your insight.
Mike
Mike:
I feel the same way ... the "icons" of Thanksgiving are far removed from the reality of what we celebrate today.
So attacking the icons themselves may make some people feel good, but it does nothing to change the reality of today and in fact makes the special interest groups involved seem almost petty.
Of course, they would likely argue that by accepting old stereotypes, we are perpetuating racist viewpoints. Of course, I would disagree -- as I stated, I don't believe anyone really thinks much about "pilgrims" any more.
The reality is that some groups have a racist viewpoint all their own that they are promoting -- that is, all Europeans were bad, and all native peoples were good.
I'm thoroughly sick of this sort of political correctness, especially since much of the "mythology" of Thanksgiving is the product of Depression-era marketing (the South didn't even celebrate Thanksgiving until well into the 20th century).
On the other hand, I am also thoroughly sick of "the intrepid little band of worshippers" story. That the Pilgrims survived at all is testament to the notion that God watches over fools and little children. Did you know only a fraction had ever worked on a farm?
And Squanto, that helpful fellow? He had spent more than ten years enslaved in England before providentially showing up in New England to greet the Pilgrims in English.
I would have said to the chief: put an arrow in every last one of them, but he didn't. But he taught them to fish and plant corn.
Fools and little children.
In short, that they survived is their only real accomplishment, and it wasn't even their accomplishment.
Thanksgiving is what we make of it. Living abroad, as I do, it is a chance to come together with other Americans and enjoy a common tradition. Pilgrims, Indians, political correctness don't come into it.
And why should it?
I was at two Thanksgiving dinners this year.
One was hosted by an old friend for family and (I am grateful) close friends. Lots of catching up. Seeing the children grow another year. My friend and I telling the same old jokes that get us pelted with celery crudites. But very American -- most around the table had grown up with the tradition, or knew a lot about it.
No mention of Pilgrims, Indians or political correctness.
The other was hosted by a friend whose family came over.... well, I wouldn't know; I've never asked. Probably pushed out, rudely, by some intolerant people. The guests came from all over the world; only a few of us were from the US.
After we ate, we drank lots of wine and watched Peter Greenaway's Pillow Book -- a Chinese film (an obscenely boring film, by the way).
But they were both Thanksgiving. Turkey and stuffing were on the table in both cases, so there's a sign. And we had things to give thanks for and break bread over. That's the real sign.
Soccer Live Matches At Your Desktop
http://www.soccerlivematches.blo...s.blogspot.com/
There are thousands of High Quality Channels streaming live football from around the world. We are here to show you how to find them. Receive live match links in your mail account. English Premiership Football and European Soccer Streams. Note all matches are as per BST.
Special Introductory offer:
Live match links in your mail account at only £1.00 GBP. Free for First Day if you subscribe it now.
1. Free Software:
We will provide you all software you need to get live match at your desktop.
2. Low Cost:
Free for the first day, Receive live match links in your mail account @ £1.00 GBP for each 2 weeks.
3. What's Needed:
Just need is to click on the link, start the software and match is on your desktop.
3. Live Soccer:
Watch live soccer online on your PC no need of buying Sky or Cable?
4. Is It Legal?
We donot stream live football from this server or blog. There are thousands of High Quality Channels streaming live football from around the world. We are here to show you how to find them.
Check it Once
http://www.soccerlivematches.blo...s.blogspot.com/
Soccer Live Matches At Your Desktop
Commenting by HaloScan
