Religious Holidays in Public Schools

[Corkey]

I don't think I've ever herd of Thanksgiving being a religious holiday. It is a white mans holiday to celebrate the population surviving with the help of the Native people.

[Soon]

Originally Posted by Corkey

I don't think I've ever herd of Thanksgiving being a religious holiday. It is a white mans holiday to celebrate the population surviving with the help of the Native people.

I was curious about that statement of Ender's too and was hoping a US citizen would chime in.

Does your Thanksgiving have religious connotations?

Canada's doesn't at all.


We only get one day off for Thanksgiving as well--I think you have more days on that one? (2?)

[Corkey]

Originally Posted by HowSoonIsNow

I was curious about that statement of Ender's too and was hoping US citizen would chime in.

Does your Thanksgiving have religious connotations?

Canada's doesn't at all.

Not in my world, it is a holiday to give thanks, for some that is to their god, to others it is to their ancestors, and to Mother Earth. But as far as a religious holiday...not really no.

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by Corkey

I don't think I've ever herd of Thanksgiving being a religious holiday. It is a white mans holiday to celebrate the population surviving with the help of the Native people.

Originally Posted by SassyLeo

For me, Thanksgiving is really about spending time with my family and eating good food...having the time off is NICE. However, I would not care when we have the time off. Well, I do like the comfort feel foods we have, but we can make that anytime

The whole premise of Thanksgiving has changed over the years and I wonder if kids these days even know what it is for

Originally Posted by julieisafemme

Thanksgiving was never religious in my home. It is just like Sassy said. It is all about food!

Originally Posted by Corkey

Not in my world, it is a holiday to give thanks, for some that is to their god, to others it is to their ancestors, and to Mother Earth. But as far as a religious holiday...not really no.

I look at it as a day to celebrate the White Man's survival with help from the Native people whose land they took and whom they abused and killed either outright or with White Men's diseases.

I find obligatory family events really stressful too.

I like Halloween...yes, I know it has religious connotations too, but I love the Gothic stuff!

[Corkey]

Originally Posted by HowSoonIsNow

We only get one day off for Thanksgiving as well--I think you have more days on that one? (2?)

I've only when working had the one day off, when not actually working that day. At school I had one day off, still had to show up at school on Friday.

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by Corkey

I don't think I've ever herd of Thanksgiving being a religious holiday. It is a white mans holiday to celebrate the population surviving with the help of the Native people.

No, it isn't religious and what you say here is quite true. It is actually an affront to Native Americans. It has no religious sanctioning at all, however, it was the design of founders in the US seeking religious freedom and drenched in their religious underpinnings which were Christian.

We in the US have been sold the myth of Thanksgiving lock, stock and barrel! If it had any intention of gratitude to natives, the traditional Thanksgiving meal would be fish and corn!

I can get behind being thankful for many things in my life, but I can't celebrate this holiday as it is portrayed in the US. It is a good day of the year to talk to family about what it represents to the Native people here with some honesty. An opportunity to own history as it really happened. The least we can do, I believe. But, these are my personal feelings. And, yes, I do enjoy this day with family and friends, and hopefully in a more truthful manner.

I have similar feelings about Columbus Day. That is not a kind or honest holiday for Native Americans.

[Corkey]

Sometimes I'm sorry our People ever helped the white man. Perhaps they are grateful the People didn't kill them and serve them for dinner. ( attempt at light hearted humor)