The truth behind Thanksgiving…

Whether you like it or not.

Just about the right time to capitalize…

Thanksgiving… A day of family gathering with tons of food, football, and the legendary Macy’s Day Parade in New York City. Now Black Friday the day after Thanksgiving, notably the busiest shopping day in the entire year that kicks off the holiday shopping frenzy in the United States, has even seeped its way into Thanksgiving. What’s that you say? OOOOH Capitalism! Right…

The Macy’s Day Parade in New York City

Thanksgiving, another capitalistic-friendly American holiday that ironically was founded as a result of capitalism (not that cute pilgrim Indian story they fed you in first grade, although those hats sure looked cute).

That’s right kids. Back in the pilgrim days (for you history buffs 1621), the pilgrims had communal property and farming. Wouldn’t you know that half of them ended up working their asses off while the other half of the population were being lazy, yet reaping the same benefits (sound familiar). History would prove it was an absolute failure. In fact, they were near starvation.

William Bradford encouraged a transition from communal property and farming to private property and farming. He made everyone responsible for their own harvest.

Plymouth, William Bradford (Photo credit: dicksonk)

The outcome? A bountiful harvest that saved the colonies. It was THIS harvest that was celebrated as Thanksgiving in 1623.

Bradford’s transcription of this account was lost for many years. As a result, America made up this legend about Thanksgiving to explain its tradition. Fortunately for American history, his diaries were recovered and are now in print in paperback.

Thanksgiving was in fact a celebration of the success of capitalism and the dissolution of communal assets. Oh, the irony.

Here’s to a turkey leg! Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!