'Hunt Gather Parent' and the Noble Savage trope
Thanksgiving is this week in the United States. Especially with becoming a parent, this time of year often has me reflecting on the myths we tell, and what they imply. The story of Thanksgiving is typically told as such: the Pilgrims of Plymouth were struggling to survive in this New World until the Indians (few retellings, especially those aimed at children, are specific enough to name the Wampanoag tribe) come and, out of kindness, show the Pilgrims their ancient strategies for planting native crops, such as corn. With this ancient wisdom shared, the Pilgrims were able to survive to reap a full harvest. The Pilgrims then decide to have a large celebration with a Thanksgiving feast and invited the local Indians, who agreed and brought gifts of meats, such as turkey and venison. A grand time was had by all, a celebration of peace and prosperity. But that's not the story. Not really. Like most things, there's a lot more nuance and complication. The Wampanoags did share how to p...