Every year, millions of Americans gather around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving, often with a traditional turkey feast as the centerpiece. However, beneath the festive atmosphere lies a stark reality. The contrast between white turkeys and black turkeys serves as a poignant metaphor for the systemic inequalities faced by Black people in the United States.
White turkeys, the dominant breed in the US, enjoy a privileged existence. Many are raised on farms specifically for Thanksgiving, and some even receive presidential pardons. Peach and Blossom, two turkeys spared by President Biden in 2022, exemplify this privilege. These pardoned turkeys often live out their lives on farms or in sanctuaries.
In contrast, black turkeys, also known as Heritage or Narragansett turkeys, are less common and primarily found in the Northeast. Their relatively low numbers and limited geographic range make them a rarity in the world of commercial turkey farming.
This disparity between white and black turkeys mirrors the systemic inequalities faced by Black people in the US. Historically, Black Americans have encountered barriers to justice, including difficulty receiving pardons. These inequalities persist today, affecting every aspect of life, from education and employment to housing and healthcare.
The struggles faced by black turkeys and Black people are not mere coincidence. Rather, they reflect a broader societal pattern of marginalization and exclusion. By acknowledging and understanding these parallels, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us not forget the less fortunate – whether they be black turkeys or Black people. By shedding light on the systemic inequalities that exist in our society, we can take the first steps towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Samuel Georges
