As the holiday season rolls around, many children return home from school with colorful Thanksgiving-themed papers, decorated with playful turkeys, pumpkins, and autumn leaves. Among these, there are cartoonish portrayals of pilgrims and stereotypical Native Americans, often shown sharing a feast, suggesting a harmonious gathering. This narrative, while seemingly innocent, is a troubling representation of history.
I understand the inclination to avoid conflict and simply enjoy these moments. Many argue that children should be allowed to dress as historical figures like Pocahontas for Halloween without scrutiny. However, we must question whether this approach is truly beneficial for our children’s understanding of the past.
If we fail to confront the troubling and often painful realities of our history, we risk perpetuating a false narrative that celebrates a mythical version of America. Instead of recognizing the complexities and injustices of our past, we allow our children to believe that the country was founded by noble figures who brought nothing but good. The reality is far more complicated, with many historical figures, revered by some, having been slave owners or perpetrators of injustice.
When discussing the removal of statues commemorating historical figures whose legacies involve oppression, the common retort is that we cannot alter history. While this is accurate, we have the power to shape how we approach the future. One way to do this is to stop glorifying those who have caused harm.
Thanksgiving isn’t the only occasion when we celebrate a skewed version of our history. Consider the Fourth of July—a day that many associate with freedom. However, the original celebrations primarily acknowledged the liberation of white men, with women and people of color still facing oppression. Even today, the Pledge of Allegiance claims to uphold “liberty and justice for all,” a promise that remains unfulfilled for many.
Juneteenth is another significant day that often goes unrecognized. Celebrated on June 19, it marks the date when enslaved individuals in Texas finally learned of their freedom—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Meanwhile, Memorial Day has roots in a celebration organized by freed Black individuals.
Some may point to designated months, like February for Black History Month, as evidence of progress. Yet, these brief lessons often reflect a sanitized version of history, focusing on figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in ways that prioritize comfort over truth. Once March arrives, these discussions often disappear, as if Black history can be confined to a single month. The reality, however, is that Black history is woven into the fabric of American history and deserves continuous recognition.
This issue extends to women’s history as well. Women’s History Month occurs in March, but outside of that timeframe, the narrative often defaults to one dominated by white males. Similarly, while November is designated as Native American Heritage Month, the lessons should not be limited to just that time.
I cherish the moments spent with family during Thanksgiving, sharing meals and laughter. However, the real issue lies in our collective ignorance about the true history of our nation, which is often told through a narrow lens.
So, how can we as parents make a difference? The first step is to educate ourselves. We must seek out books by authors of color and women, watch documentaries, read articles—like those from the 1619 Project—and listen to enlightening podcasts. By expanding our knowledge, we can better teach our children and advocate for a more accurate representation of history in schools. This could include requesting that history be taught year-round rather than relegated to specific months, and encouraging a shift from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Instead of engaging in activities that trivialize Native American heritage—such as crafting feathered headbands or performing pilgrim-themed plays—we should strive to raise children who can recognize and challenge inaccuracies in historical narratives.
Confronting the painful truths of American history is not easy; it often elicits discomfort and guilt. However, avoidance is not a solution. As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, let’s commit to teaching our children the full truth of our history, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
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Summary:
In this article, the author emphasizes the importance of teaching children about authentic history, rather than the sanitized versions often presented in schools. By confronting the uncomfortable truths of America’s past, including the oppression of marginalized groups, we can foster a deeper understanding in our children and advocate for a more inclusive curriculum. The author calls for a comprehensive approach to history education that extends beyond designated months, urging parents to educate themselves and their children on the complexities of American history.