Decoded Season 2 Episode 8 Everything You Know About Thanksgiving is Wrong

In season 2 episode 8 of Decoded, titled "Everything You Know About Thanksgiving is Wrong," the team takes a deep dive into the history and myths surrounding one of America's most beloved holidays. Hosted by Brad Meltzer, the show features interviews with historians, experts, and Native American activists as they attempt to uncover the truth about Thanksgiving.

For many Americans, Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family and friends to enjoy a feast of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. But the origins of the holiday are rooted in a much darker history. The episode begins by exploring the story of the Pilgrims, who landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620 and eventually celebrated a harvest feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans. This feast is often cited as the first Thanksgiving, but the truth is much more complex.

Through interviews with historians and scholars, Decoded reveals the true story of Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims did indeed hold a feast to celebrate their first successful harvest, but it was not the beginning of a tradition that would continue for centuries. In fact, Thanksgiving as we know it today didn't become an official holiday until Abraham Lincoln declared it in 1863, during the middle of the Civil War.

But the myths surrounding Thanksgiving go deeper than just its origin story. Decoded also explores the popular narrative that the Pilgrims and Wampanoag lived in peaceful harmony, swapping recipes and enjoying each other's company. This idyllic image is often perpetuated in modern depictions of the holiday, from TV commercials to school plays. But the truth is far from it.

Native American activists explain that the arrival of the Pilgrims was disastrous for their people. The new settlers brought with them diseases that the Native Americans had no immunity to, and their numbers were decimated as a result. The Pilgrims also imposed their own cultural norms and values on the Wampanoag, often leading to violence and conflict.

Decoded also explores the role that Thanksgiving played in American history, from propaganda during World War II to the Civil Rights Movement. The show examines how different groups have tried to claim Thanksgiving for their own purposes, from the first wave of feminism to current debates over immigration.

Throughout the episode, the team offers a nuanced view of Thanksgiving that goes beyond the simplistic narratives that many of us learned in school. While the holiday can still be a time of celebration and togetherness, it's important to remember the darker parts of its history and the ongoing struggles of Native American communities.

Overall, season 2 episode 8 of Decoded is a thought-provoking exploration of one of America's most beloved holidays. Through interviews with experts and activists, the show uncovers the true story of Thanksgiving and challenges viewers to think critically about its place in our national identity.