Is it okay to draw the Thanksgiving Version of Natives and Pilgrims?

[willicreate]

This question has been nagging at me since the start of November. I like working on holiday-themed illustrations and would want to include these American folktale figures. But does it perpetuate tone deafness?

We shouldn't erase the true history of the Native American nations. There is, however, good moral values to the fable-ish Thansgiving story.

Let's keep this discussion simple for obvious reasons. Can I ask the community to take part in this poll?

[Mia Clarke]

@willicreate This is an article on the subject of imagery around Thanksgiving written from a Native American perspective. As the author is part of the oppressed group, I think theirs is really the perspective that matters on this issue…

As storytellers I think we have a responsibility to tell stories that don’t hurt people, and I think that the net good of making an illustration like the one you’re asking about is in the negative.

I say it’s kindest to draw something else. There are so many other creative subjects to draw around Thanksgiving. Maybe one where a turkey pardons a president?

[Lee White]

My own views aside, I'd recommend staying WAY away from this. Unfortunately we are at a time where something that used to be fine can be seen in so many different ways now ranging from benign to totally offensive. People are getting offended for almost anything now so I just wouldn't want to take the risk. Maybe use the table setting and use animals instead totally eliminates the problem and may be more fun anyway. : )

[kirsten-mcg]

@willicreate I agree with everyone else that it's probably best to stay away from this. It's such a sensitive and painful issue right now. And it's been done so much! I think you would be better served by finding something new and interesting to say about Thanksgiving. I think it's completely possible to take the good values from the original Thanksgiving fable (I like that word for it! ) and come up with something new that still represents those values.

[ArtistErin]

@Mia-Clarke I love your perspective! LOL I laughed out loud at the turkey pardon.

[ArtistErin]

@kirsten-mcg @Lee-White Yes, well said and this goes for so many other groups and sections of people etc. But I keep hearing how we must represent diversity in our portfolios so I'm a bit confused on how to satisfy this unique situation?

I've studied so many current working illustrators representing multi-cultural and diverse populations, and as I work on portfolio pieces, I am tempted to scrap so much of what I've worked on so far because of this sensitive subject... I am a person who was raised to get along with everyone and not make waves, be kind and inclusive, yet still hold a perspective and stay true to who I am. It's always a winding road. I'd love some insight here!! Thanks

[kirsten-mcg]

@ArtistErin This is kind of a loaded topic, and I'm afraid I might have more questions than answers here, but I'll share my thoughts. I've wondered the same thing as you. I know the publishing industry here in the United States at least claims to be trying to broaden the people represented in our literature. There is also a movement to try to introduce the work of authors and illustrators from previously underrepresented groups. And yet all of us are told to represent diversity in our portfolios. It seems like a bit of a mixed message. Shouldn't we be illustrating what we know best and have experience with?

But that said, I think it is possible to represent diversity in our art in a way that is (mostly) non-offensive. (There's always going to be someone somewhere who's going to take offense, even where non was intended.) I think avoiding obvious touchy subjects and stories helps. In the end, kids are kids, and I think it's fairly easy to find ways to include children of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Children everywhere are fascinated by things like sticks and bugs and animals. They like to play and have a good time. The experience similar fears and joys. I think if you're illustrating along these lines, you'll be fairly safe.

I would love to hear other people's thoughts and perspectives on this subject!

[ArtistErin]

@kirsten-mcg Thank you! Yes it's so much simpler to draw objects and animals Love the simple approach.

[willicreate]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback and those who entered the poll. It was good for me to receive thoughts on the matter from peers and mentors.

Can I ask for an understanding of what is currently taught to school children (ages 3 to 7) about the holiday (with the understanding school boards across America have their own policies). For example, my older sibling was taught the contributions of Tisquantum/Squanto, but by my generation his contributions was removed from the curriculum. Has some districts completely removed the tale of the "First Thanksgiving" from their lesson plans?