Think you know the story? This episode peels back the polished postcard of Thanksgiving and walks you through the messy, often grim realities behind the myth. We trace the 1621 gathering from William Bradford’s practical account, put the Wampanoag people and their experiences front and center, and follow how a 19th‑century cultural campaign and Civil War politics turned a local harvest event into a national holiday. Along the way we listen to Indigenous perspectives — including the National Day of Mourning — and offer concrete ways listeners can learn, teach, and reflect more honestly about this national story.

Recommended reading & sources

Primary accounts and historical documents:

• William Bradford, “Of Plymouth Plantation” — Bradford’s firsthand account of the early Plymouth years and the 1621 harvest celebration. (Start with Bradford’s entries for 1621; annotated editions give helpful context.)
• Abraham Lincoln, “Proclamation of Thanksgiving” (Oct. 1863) — Lincoln’s text framing Thanksgiving as a unifying civic observance during the Civil War.

Wampanoag and Indigenous perspectives:

• Gerald “Jerry” L. Bragdon, “Native People of Southern New England, 1500–1650” — context on social structures, lifeways, and early contact effects.
• Voices from the Wampanoag community — visit the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) official websites for contemporary statements, events, and cultural resources.
• National Day of Mourning materials — Wampanoag Nation and United American Indians of New England (UAINE) provide statements, histories, and resources about the annual observance in Plymouth.

Scholars and historians:

• Jill Lepore, “These Truths: A History of the United States” — wide‑ranging history that questions national myths and situates holidays like Thanksgiving within broader political narratives.
• Nathaniel Philbrick, “Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War” — a narrative history that covers early colonial–Native relations and the broader consequences of settlement.
• Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, “An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States” — a rigorous reframing of U.S. history centering Indigenous experiences, policies, and resistances.
• James D. Drake, “King Philip’s War: Civil War in New England, 1675–1676” (or similar reputable works) — for a deeper understanding of later conflicts that reshaped Indigenous–colonial relations after the Plymouth era.
• Lisa Brooks, “Our Beloved Kin: A New History of King Philip’s War” — centers Native perspectives and illustrates long-term consequences of early contact and colonial expansion.

Accessible essays, articles, and educational resources:

• “The First Thanksgiving Wasn’t a Feast” — Smithsonian Magazine or similar reputable outlets that contextualize Bradford’s account and pre-existing Indigenous conditions.
• Teaching Tolerance / Learning for Justice lesson materials on Thanksgiving that emphasize Indigenous voices and decolonizing classroom narratives.
• Library of Congress and National Archives entries for Lincoln’s proclamation and 19th‑century Thanksgiving materials.

Podcasts, interviews, and multimedia:

• Interviews and lectures from Indigenous scholars (search for Roxanne Dunbar‑Ortiz, Roxanne Dunbar‑Ortiz interviews; Lisa Brooks lectures) that explore how national memory is formed and contested.
• Recordings/coverage of the National Day of Mourning (Plymouth) for contemporary Indigenous perspectives.

Real Reel Talk - Grimm Edition is a captivating podcast where host Josh Bell delves into the enchanting world of Grimms’ Fairy Tales. Each episode features a reading of one classic tale, followed by an engaging analysis of its themes, morals, and historical significance. From dark lessons to timeless wisdom, explore the deeper meanings behind these stories, making connections to modern life and culture. Whether you’re a fan of folklore or curious about the origins of these tales, this series offers something for everyone.

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