Topic: Decolonization

A viral TikTok video claiming the word "picnic" originated from racist lynching practices was debunked as an etymological hoax. The word actually dates back to the 1600s and has French origins unrelated to the racial slurs suggested in the video. Researchers suggest such hoaxes are often created to test the susceptibility of social media users to misinformation and to "decolonize" language based on false historical premises.

A University of Minnesota professor and indigenous activists are promoting the concept of "Turtle Island" as a name for North America. The movement advocates for "Land Back" and the dismantling of the "settler project" of the United States, drawing parallels between the U.S. government and the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

Protesters supporting Palestine disrupted the Thanksgiving Day parade, leading to a discussion on the push to "decolonize" the holiday. A viral clip features a millennial woman advocating for renaming the day "Tribal Nations Day" and planting native species. The hosts reflect on the history of the holiday, including Abraham Lincoln's role, and share personal anecdotes about gratitude and a checkout clerk's recovery from a heart attack.

A video from the University of Cape Town shows students arguing that science is a product of "Western modernity" and should be "scratched off" in favor of African perspectives, such as the ability to strike people with lightning. When a student challenged the claim, the moderator demanded an apology for "disrespecting the sacredness of the space." Additionally, the University of Florida has established a 24/7 "Bias Education and Response Team" for offensive Halloween costumes.