Thanksgiving and Other Fine Mythologies

So the typical argument between looking at our country’s history full in the face and denying it by clinging to a couple of comforting mythologies has begun. The idea that this nation’s foundation is built on genocide, the deaths of up to 30 million people and the lawful decimation of their culture is a rather problematic thing to consider for most people. The idea that this country’s early economic success can in large part be attributed to slaves is something many would rather forget. And built on this foundation, the idea that our nation’s lifestyle has continued to be preserved over the past century through the blood and suffering of others, literally on their backs, is unthinkable.

It never ceases to fascinate me that we Americans live in a culture that seems to work on a few unassailable myths. We have been brought up in a society that is in theory democratic, a meritocracy that anyone can succeed in if only they work hard enough. Free speech is enshrined and we live under a government that in theory would never punish us for exercising that right. In light of this, it’s incredibly difficult to believe that your government would be involved in events the world over that have and continue to cause the incredible suffering of others. It’s incredibly difficult to face up to the idea that our lifestyle, just by virtue of living it, causes us to have an obscene amount of blood on our hands.

The American Dream is another one of these myths. The idea that if you work hard enough, if you really pull yourself up by your boot straps you can get anywhere. Again, that the United States is a meritocracy and that individual backgrounds have no impact on one’s success. This seems to reinforce, above all, the peace of mind of those of us who have been born in a privileged position. We never have to go beyond the idea of “if only they worked hard enough” to understand the complexities that face groups of people who have to work damn harder than we probably ever will and are still only barely keeping their heads above water.

The myth of “choice.” This one has been near and dear to my heart lately. Say you’re facing sexual harassment/racism/homophobia (pick your poison) at your place of work. But hell, you need that job to feed your kids. No one is KEEPING you there… you still have the <i>choice</i> to leave.

- This is a work in progress.

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