The above video is a poem performed at the December 2008 White Plains Library Poetry Slam. The poem is called "Dark Celebration" and addresses the dark side of Thanksgiving.
Essentially, the poem recounts how some details of the first Thanksgiving were exaggerated and how, regardless of the positive side of the first Thanksgiving, the holiday has come to be a reminder "of a friendship that was betrayed" for Native Americans.
The poem, performed by a young girl, is a poignant reminder of how complex holidays like Thanksgiving are considering the negative impact of colonization. In light of that, I completely understand why many Native Americans instead observe a National Day of Mourning.
That said, many other Native Americans still observe Thanksgiving due to the more positive side of the holiday and its similarity to other Native American celebrations.
Regardless of whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or the National Day of Mourning, peaceful and respectful observations are key, and a moment of silence to remember those impacted by colonization would be ideal.
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