12. Myth: Thanksgiving Was a Harmonious First Encounter
The well-known tale of the ‘First Thanksgiving’ often paints a picture of unity and peace between Pilgrims and Native peoples. However, this narrative overlooks the ongoing conflict, disease, and violence that marked early encounters. While there was a shared meal, it did not erase the harsh realities faced by Indigenous communities following European arrival. As Smithsonian Magazine explains, the real history is far more complex than the simplified holiday myth.
