Almost four centuries ago, two polar opposite groups of people celebrated together over a feast to show respect and gratitude for each other. Thanksgiving is the time to honor and show that spirit of kindness toward others in our own lives.The Pilgrims invited their Native American teachers, who showed them how to survive in the New World, to the feast as a way to thank them.
History would later mention the wars between these two cultures, and how the colonists used guns against bows and arrows to wipe out tribes and take over their land. Some might go as far as to say the colonists committed genocide, and Thanksgiving is America’s excuse to celebrate its victory over a weaker foe.
But that is exactly the reason we have to go back to the origins of this holiday, before all the wars and the violence.
In a society that promotes greed, dedicating a time to pause and appreciate one’s life is a reminder we all need.
The clunker you drive that still gets you to where you need to go, the not-so-smart phone that still allows you to make calls might not feel good enough, but those luxuries only act as perfume.
Whether you will celebrate Thanksgiving this year by spending the whole day preparing a turkey or spending two minutes waiting for your instant noodle to cook, it is important to rekindle the spirit of Thanksgiving and be grateful for what you have, no matter how little you think it may be. If more people can do that, maybe they will realize they don’t need to take from others.
- EDITORIAL: Apologize about the real problem - April 23, 2014
- STATEMENT: District apologizes to Oscar winning alum - April 21, 2014
- EDITORIAL: The Forgotten Students - March 26, 2014
