The Thanksgiving Play: Exploring Cultural Sensitivity and the Role of Native Americans in American History

The Thanksgiving Play: What Would Crazy Horse Do is a thought-provoking and satirical play that delves into the complexities of cultural sensitivity, political correctness, and the portrayal of Native Americans in American history. With a witty script by Larissa FastHorse, this play challenges our preconceived notions while engaging us in a humorous and thought-provoking exploration of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Thanksgiving Play revolves around a group of well-intentioned white teaching artists who are tasked with creating a Thanksgiving play that is both educational and entertaining for elementary school students. Each character brings their own uniqueness to the table, often clashing with each other's ideas of cultural representation.

The play's title, "What Would Crazy Horse Do," serves as a clickbait that lures the audience into the deeper layers of the story. It raises intriguing questions about the Native American warrior Crazy Horse and his relevance to the Thanksgiving narrative. This not only sparks curiosity but also prompts a reflection on the historical treatment of Native Americans.

The Thanksgiving Play / What Would Crazy Horse Do?

by Larissa FastHorse(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1109 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	137 pages
Paperback	:	28 pages
Item Weight	:	1.76 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.07 x 9 inches

FREE

Cultural Sensitivity and Political Correctness

One of the main themes explored in The Thanksgiving Play is the concept of cultural sensitivity and the role of political correctness. As the characters grapple with how to accurately represent Native Americans in their play, they become entangled in a web of conflicting opinions and ideas.

Through witty dialogue and clever situations, the play forces us to question our own understanding of cultural sensitivity and political correctness. It prompts us to reflect on how we navigate the fine line between honoring traditions and avoiding cultural appropriation.

The Role of Native Americans in American History

The Thanksgiving Play highlights the often-overlooked significance of Native Americans in American history. It sheds light on the ongoing struggle for Native American representation and breaks down stereotypes that have been perpetuated for centuries.

The character development in the play allows us to see the complexities of Native American identities, challenging the simplistic and often distorted portrayals found in mainstream media and historical accounts. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting Native American voices and experiences.

Intertwining Humor and Social Commentary

FastHorse expertly weaves humor and social commentary throughout the play, creating an engaging and thought-provoking experience for the audience. The witty dialogue and absurd situations serve as a catalyst for deeper reflections on topics such as cultural appropriation, historical accuracy, and the power dynamics between marginalized communities and those in positions of privilege.

The humor acts as a vehicle to address serious issues without becoming heavy-handed or didactic. It invites the audience to laugh at the characters' shortcomings while also encouraging self-reflection and a reevaluation of our own biases.

The Power of Satire for Change

The Thanksgiving Play: What Would Crazy Horse Do exemplifies the power of satire to challenge societal norms and spark dialogue. Satire has long been used as a tool for social and political critique, and this play makes effective use of its comedic elements to confront issues that are often difficult to address directly.

By presenting the subject matter in a humorous and entertaining manner, the play encourages the audience to let their guard down and engage in critical self-reflection. It creates a safe space for navigating complex and sensitive topics, fostering open conversations and intellectual growth.

The Legacy of The Thanksgiving Play: What Would Crazy Horse Do

The Thanksgiving Play: What Would Crazy Horse Do is an innovative and engaging theatrical production that challenges our understanding of cultural representation, political correctness, and the role of Native Americans in American history. Its thought-provoking script, filled with wit and humor, invites us to examine our own biases and assumptions while embracing the power of diversity and inclusivity.

This play, with its long descriptive keyword for the alt attribute, highlights the ongoing struggle for Native American representation and a more inclusive portrayal in theater and society as a whole. By using humor and satire, The Thanksgiving Play prompts us to question the traditions and narratives we often take for granted, inspiring us to reimagine a more accurate and culturally sensitive reflection of our collective history.

The Thanksgiving Play / What Would Crazy Horse Do?

by Larissa FastHorse(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1109 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	137 pages
Paperback	:	28 pages
Item Weight	:	1.76 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.07 x 9 inches

FREE

The Thanksgiving Play

“Satire doesn’t get much richer… A takedown of white American mythology… The familiar, whitewashed story of Pilgrims and Native Americans chowing down together gets a delicious roasting.” —Jesse Green, New York Times

“Wryly funny… Deftly makes points that need making about representation and, to borrow a line from Hamilton, the crucial matter of ‘who tells your story.’” —Don Aucoin, Boston Globe

A group of well-intentioned white teaching artists scramble to create an ambitious “woke” Thanksgiving pageant. Despite their eager efforts to put on the most culturally sensitive show possible, it quickly becomes clear that even those with good intentions can be undone by their own blind spots.

What Would Crazy Horse Do?

“A nuanced portrait of reservation life… A scalding cauldron of race and resentment, poverty, and mental illness.” —Robert W. Butler, Kansas City Star

“A timely meditation on the dangers of nationalism tinged with a sad irony as seen through the filter of a Native American lens.” —Alan Portner, Broadway World

Twins Calvin and Journey, the last two members of the Marahotah tribe, make a suicide pact to end the Marahotah when the grandfather who raised them dies. Then two white strangers knock on their door and the insular world of the twins is ripped wide open.