I’ve asked myself: don’t folks know that this tradition was born out of colonialism, imperialism, and mass genocide? Is it really worth putting yourself, your family, and Americans at risk for a deadly virus? But, as I point out these facts — facts that we are all now fully aware of in the 21st century, I’m amazed at how people rewrite historical narratives with rationale such as: that was a long time ago, this holiday isn’t about that anymore it’s about family and gratitude, this is the time we get to spend together, I know that’s terrible but can’t we look at the good things this holiday now brings? As I take in these responses, I realize just how effective colonialism is: being thankful for what you have regardless of the costs it took to get it. As colonialism and imperialism take new forms: we can point to its old shapes like the skin a snake will shed. But that’s never its end, just a process in its evolution.
Slavery, Colonialism and White Supremacy
In many global health institutions, the positions of power and leadership are most often occupied by White people. The underlying assumption is that White…