Okay, so most of us know the second Monday in October is called Columbus Day. If you're in the US, that is. The story goes that some dude named Christopher Columbus discovered America. This is comical because A) he didn't even land in North America. It was the Bahamas and B) there were already people on that land.
The Vikings had arrived hundreds of years before and the Indigenous people were there and had been for thousands of years.
So if anything, he visited. And he was the most awful visitor.
Thanks to Columbus' journals and letters, we were able to discover that he condoned slavery, rape, forced labor, and trading Indigenous people. And some of them were CHILDREN. He frequently separated families, and was just a awful, terrible human being.
Does this sound like anyone we should be celebrating?
It's no wonder Columbus Day was canceled--and then certain people have brought it back, naturally, because they've probably committed crimes similar to Columbus. Let's just be real here. You can figure out who is decent by how they feel about Columbus.
I personally call it Indigenous People Day, because they were always here first and unfortunately they had to go through hell thanks to men like Columbus. I implore you to do your research and discover what kind of person Columbus was. It is okay to break away from what society deems normal. It is okay to learn and grow.
So Happy Indigenous People Day!
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I also call it Indigenous People Day. I homeschooled all 3 of my kids & taught them that as well. I actually wasn't taught about Vikings coming here like 500 years before in school. I learned that while doing research for a homeschool unit I was planning when the kids were young! I love the image in your post about Columbus being discovered lost at sea.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate how boldly you challenge the traditional narrative—“Christopher Columbus Discovered Nothing” is a powerful reframe that honors Indigenous history and demands critical thinking. Your call to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day is both timely and deeply meaningful.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you wrote this and brought it out. I think everyone needs to know about this. I know that my kids already know about this as well. It's good to start sharing more so others can hopefully understand as well.
ReplyDeleteI learned about Native Americans in school, but not in great detail. After watching many films, I have a clear understanding of Native Americans.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I'm so pleased you highlighted this about Christopher Columbus as I can honestly say I had no idea. That is awful and a good reason for people not to celebrate this. I would guess that your assumptions about those that brought back the celebration are spot on!
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ReplyDeleteThank you for clarifying exactly what Christopher Columbus stood for. I knew he didn't discover America! And yes, Native Americans were already living in the U.S. so he was just visiting!
ReplyDeleteThankyou for speaking out! I think here in the United States where I live, we often don’t want to talk about the truth. The past was ugly. That’s the truth. Many Americans want to ignore it and say we should just move on. It was in the past, but how can we learn from the past if we ignore it?
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