Three carved theatrical masks in black, charcoal and pale grey show different degrees of frowning against slate.

Original artwork, not a still

Sentences from America, no. 12 ‧ 1970

Friedrich Dürrenmatt

As the Americans slaughter millions of turkeys every year for the celebration of their deliverance, the Indians, who should be celebrated as saviors, have long been slaughtered. There was even a time when a white man was paid a very decent price for every Indian scalp he could produce.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The passage contrasts Thanksgiving celebrations with violence against Native peoples and condemns the failure to honour people it describes as saviours. This is its historical critique; the quotation alone does not independently substantiate every claim it makes.

Context reviewed

Share this quote