With violence out West, people would never have accepted the notion of a peaceful get-together. The white press in the 19th century portrayed Indians as villains. The Pilgrim or colonial family's peace was often interrupted by arrows. After 1900, the images of Indians were romanticized. History hadn't changed, but people needed a different representation.
History is used to suit our own needs.
Students can access another view of Thanksgiving on the Web. At the Plimoth site, they can see how the Wampanoag really lived and visit a Native American home site. They can also read the response of Native Americans to the traditional holiday celebration. The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag did sit down and have this meal together. It's not a bad metaphor, but it needs to be done accurately.