Unpacking the Thanksgiving Myth: How History and Memory Intertwine in America’s Origin Story
Thanksgiving is a holiday cherished by many across the United States. However, a closer examination reveals that its narrative is steeped in myth and simplification. A new investigation into the historical and psychological underpinnings of this holiday indicates that the intertwining of history and collective memory plays a substantial role in maintaining the so-called Thanksgiving myth.
The Pilgrims in American History
In a recent survey of around 2,000 participants, researchers discovered that when asked about significant events in American history, the Pilgrims were cited as noteworthy characters—ranking seventh in a list that primarily included events like the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence. This prompts critical questions about the perception of America's origin stories.
According to Abram Van Engen, an English professor at Washington University in St. Louis and co-author of the study published in Memory Studies, the inclusion of the Pilgrims as foundational to America's narrative is perplexing. The Pilgrims arrived later than various groups, including Native Americans and Spanish settlers. However, their story of religious freedom and perseverance resonates as a simplified origin tale, which offers a seemingly clean narrative for a complex history.
The Thanksgiving Myth and Its Consequences
The commonly accepted narrative surrounding Thanksgiving posits that in 1621, the Pilgrims and Native Americans joined in a peaceful harvest celebration, a moment characterized by brotherhood and harmony. Yet, this interpretation overlooks the tragic backdrop of epidemic diseases and violent conflicts that affected Indigenous communities long before and long after this feast. Cognitive psychologist Henry Roediger of Washington University emphasizes that history and memory are not synonymous; rather, they often exist in contradiction. While history is anchored in factual accounts, memory is frequently molded by narratives that promote unity—even if they involve fabrications.
Such origin myths are prevalent worldwide, as noted by Chana Teeger, a sociologist at the London School of Economics. As nations grapple with difficult historical realities, the struggle to forge a strong national identity often collides with the need for a critical examination of the past. This is especially relevant in the context of increasing calls for racial justice and historical accuracy within American society.
Memory as a Psychological Habit
Our cognitive frameworks favor stories structured around beginnings, middles, and ends, as Aristotle noted over 2,400 years ago. These frameworks allow people to simplify complex information, helping avoid cognitive overload. Yet this propensity to streamline narratives can lead to oversimplified understandings of real historical events.
In the case of Thanksgiving, the complexities of the relationship between Pilgrims and Native Americans reveal a much darker history. The Wampanoag people, significantly weakened by disease brought by earlier European explorers, found themselves forming an alliance with the Pilgrims for mutual survival. This alliance, however, eventually disintegrated into severe conflict, highlighting a narrative far more complicated than a peaceful celebration of harvest.
An Evolving Narrative
Surprisingly, the transformation of Thanksgiving into the Pilgrim-centered holiday we recognize today has taken place over roughly 200 years. Initially an informal celebration among European settlers, Thanksgiving did not even become a national holiday until the Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation to promote unity.
As the United States matured, the Pilgrim narrative began to coalesce into a symbol of American values. By the mid-20th century, references to the Pilgrims became common in presidential proclamations, framing them as archetypal Americans. This evolution illustrates how historical narratives can adapt over time to align with contemporary values and identities.
Confronting the Thanksgiving Narrative Today
Despite its deep roots, the narrative surrounding Thanksgiving is coming under scrutiny. Initiatives like the 1619 Project challenge long-held views of American history by placing the arrival of enslaved Africans at the forefront and thereby altering perceptions of national identity.
As educators, journalists, and family members navigate these discussions, they face what social scientists term "mnemonic standoffs." The disagreement about whether Thanksgiving should be a day of celebration or a day of mourning reflects broader tensions within American society regarding historical memory and group solidarity.
Researchers like John Bickford argue that this evolving understanding of Thanksgiving creates space for a more complex and authentic narrative. By integrating historical truths, American identity could expand beyond simplistic myths.
Looking Ahead
The negotiation between memory and history continues as America grapples with its legacy. The question remains: Can the narrative of Thanksgiving evolve to incorporate a more nuanced perspective that includes the realities faced by Indigenous peoples? While the tidy story of friendly Pilgrims may dominate public memory, scholars assert that revising this narrative to include uncomfortable truths is essential for national healing.
As we gather around the table each Thanksgiving, it is vital to recognize that understanding our past is the first step toward creating a future that honors the complexities of our collective history. The challenge remains—how can we rewrite our national story to reflect the multifaceted realities of our shared past? The answer may still be a narrative in the making.
For more on the delicate interplay between history and collective memory, you can explore other stories on Science & Society or dive into specific articles such as how gratitude can increase joy and meet scientists reshaping our world.