This episode focuses on deconstructing the myths of Thanksgiving, and gives suggestions on ways we can reinvent it. Turning it from a colonial propaganda holiday, to a celebration of community and indigenous solidarity.

There is something else I wanted to discuss that I didn’t get to touch upon during this episode as I didn’t want to take away from the indigenous message. It starts with one simple question:

What are you bringing to the table?

I don’t mean like turkey, greens, or yams, but rather what do you bring to the metaphorical communal table? What exactly can you bring? You see, in a conversation I was having with one of my friends, we were discussing how in every group, community, organization, and revolution, everyone has something they can provide.

If everyone in a social movement is Malcolm X, it won’t make it that far. Movements need Malcolm X’s, Fred Hamptons, background organizers, allies and participants out of the spotlight who help to keep the ship afloat.

So today, think about what you can bring to the community table. Are you good at teaching people? Are you an emotional support friend? Do you let people use rooms in your home? There's a role for you everywhere. If you ever think otherwise, make one. Imagine how the first person to bring sweet potatoes with those toasted marshmallows to the Thanksgiving table. They could have attempted to make something they were bad at, but instead created an entirely new dish, and it’s damn good too. Everyone can have a purpose.

So if the idea of community is so great, how come many haven’t advocated for it before? There’s one value so deeply ingrained in our culture as Americans that, while it’s not inherently bad, does often weaken community. Our value of individualism. This country was founded on individual freedoms which on the surface, sounds wonderful. Until you witness the results of individualism heading towards the path of ego and selfishness.

Individualism

Individualism can be balanced by always prioritizing the greater good of the community over the wants of specific individuals. Why should one person be allowed to enjoy the billions of dollars that they’re employees earned for them, when many of those employees and millions of other people are going hungry on a day of feasting?

What will it take to peel back the layers of our highly regarded value of individualism? How can we change? Let’s start with one step at a time. Be good to those around you, and give whatever you can afford to give today. A tall task, but a powerful first step

I hope you all enjoy you Thanksgiving. Will be back next Thursday!