In the United States, three powerful myths — the story of Columbus discovering America, the First Thanksgiving, and the Southern Strategy — have done more than shape our understanding of history. They’ve constructed a picture of power. Each was a strategic invention, designed to make domination look like destiny, violence sound like virtue, and inequality feel like heritage.

As 2025 draws to an end and particularly as we enter into a season of Thanksgiving, I reflect on our country’s history and what it took to get us “here.” Here is a time of chaos and confusion. Historically, the United States has strategically constructed stories that cast it as a bright light. Looking back at these three pivotal myths may reveal how we got here — and how we move forward. It’s time to be just as strate

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