Thanksgiving: A Day Of Thanks Or A Sham? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Thanksgiving: A Day Of Thanks Or A Sham?

What Do We Really Know About Thanksgiving? Should We Really Be Celebrating it?

381
Thanksgiving: A Day Of Thanks Or A Sham?
The First Thanksgiving Louis Gerome Ferris

Thanksgiving is known as the day of giving thanks.

A day to be with the people you love. A DAY full of turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, pie, and family drama. But what Thanksgiving actually is, is a big fat sham of a holiday...

We have been raised to believe that Thanksgiving is supposed to be about family. But it’s actually about gluttony and sloth at its all time high. It’s like the unhealthiest holiday, up there with Christmas, July 4th, Easter, and Memorial Day. I won’t lie, I do take part in the eating, because it's food. And I love food. It would be stupid to turn away from food. But this holiday is mostly about over eating until you’re sick. Which I don’t do ever. Most people I know have two or three plates filled with food. Like, I literally can feel my arteries clogging up just thinking about it. Pace yourself people, you don’t have to stuff yourselves, there will be leftovers.

And let’s not forget about that tall tale most of us were told growing up - how Thanksgiving marks the day that Pilgrims met the helpful Indians, who gave them food and farming tips to survive the cold.

We thank them by bringing plagues to their villages, taking from them, raping them, and slaughtering them. Almost wiping them out completely. But you know, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! How do we forget that one of the most celebrated holidays is based off a genocide? Oh, did you guys know that Thanksgiving is a national day of mourning for Native Americans in New England (only New England, I know but still). A day of mourning on the same exact day we give thanks. Doesn’t that scream that something's wrong with this holiday?

And then there’s Black Friday, which isn’t even a holiday, but is seen as one. I bet you're saying, "This has nothing to do with Thanksgiving", but you're wrong, my dears. Literally hours after giving thanks we go to stores, to shop for those special deals for Christmas, and lose our ever loving minds by becoming the worst version of ourselves (I’m not saying this is how everyone acts, but people can get mean). Once those doors open, that thankful crap goes right out the window. Black Friday has caused violence and chaos. I’m talking stampedes, minor and serious injuries - like some actually died working a Black Friday. DIED. There’s actually been a shooting at a freaking Toys ‘R’ Us.

Literally a day after celebrating family, traditions, a day of giving, and harvest, society becomes rabid dogs for a sale. Pushing and shoving and hurting people for a television, or a cell phone, or some clothes. So much for giving thanks, huh?

Don’t get me wrong now. When I was younger I enjoyed Thanksgiving, it was a time I went to visit family and had amazing food. But as I got older, Thanksgiving lost its appeal as I learned the history of it. Also, just in general, learning what the world has come to. How do we celebrate a holiday like this? A holiday based off of pain? I mean, ok, there is a bigger picture when it comes to Thanksgiving, like family and being thankful.

But doesn't it seem kind of ironic that we only seem to remember the poor when its Thanksgiving and Christmas? Think about it! What is Thanksgiving really about? Hmm?



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190230
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14909
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457877
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26633
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments