Ep 2. The First Factsgiving

In season 4 episode 2 of Adam Ruins Everything, titled The First Factsgiving, host Adam Conover takes on the lore and legends surrounding the holiday of Thanksgiving. The episode begins with a skit depicting the traditional narrative of pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a feast together, before Adam jumps in to explain the real history behind the holiday.

As Adam explains, the American version of Thanksgiving as we know it has its roots in a 1621 feast shared between English colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts. While this is often heralded as the first Thanksgiving, Adam points out that similar feasts were actually common among Indigenous peoples long before the arrival of Europeans.

Despite this, the idea of a national day of Thanksgiving didn't come about until much later. In fact, the holiday as we know it wasn't officially recognized until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday in the midst of the Civil War. As Adam notes, this was done in part to try and unify the country in the face of division and conflict.

However, as Adam delves deeper into the history of the holiday, he starts to uncover some of the myths and misconceptions that still surround it today. For example, he points out that the romanticized image of pilgrims and Native Americans sitting down together for a peaceful meal is largely a fabrication - in reality, relations between these groups were often tense and violent.

Adam also looks at the way that Thanksgiving has been used to justify some of the uglier moments in American history, from the forced relocation of Indigenous peoples to the genocide of Native Americans. He notes that it's important to acknowledge these darker aspects of our history if we want to move forward and create a more just and equitable society.

Throughout the episode, Adam uses humor and expert interviews to break down some of the complex issues around Thanksgiving and American history. He also provides practical advice on ways that individuals can work towards creating a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of the holiday, such as supporting Indigenous-owned businesses and pushing for more accurate history education.

Overall, The First Factsgiving is an insightful and thought-provoking look at the history and meaning of Thanksgiving. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking to gain a better understanding of the holiday, this episode is sure to provide plenty of food for thought.