In fact, the result of Columbuss voyages was mass, Columbus didnt do too well as a governor of these new lands. Columbus Day is one of the only holidays named after a person, Christopher Columbus. Top 5 Reasons NOT to Celebrate Columbus Day And 1 Reason To History comes with an agenda. The Mysterious Man from Taured Evidence for a Parallel Universe? It has since not only become a patriotic American holiday, but also one that is celebrated as a day of pride and heritage by Italian-Americans, as Columbus' ancestry was Italian. Yes, this guy didn't commit genocide. In the year 1892, when President Benjamin Harrison declared Columbus Day a legal holiday, the Pledge of Allegiance was written. Alaska was second, in 2017, enacting Indigenous Peoples Day. He and his crew were greeted with smiles, gifts and food. 5. Once upon a time, teachers celebrated Columbus Day by leading children in choruses of song about the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. (2022, Nov 05). Here are three reasons we shouldn't celebrate Columbus Day, as a country. Personally, I dont think we should celebrate Columbus Day. In a letter that has been preserved among his personal historical records, Columbus wrote that God inspired him to make a deal with his Spanish crew and stake his life on it. Rather or not you disagree with Columbus Day you can still take advantage of the Columbus Day sales. Italian America Magazine Freelance Guidelines, National Education and Leadership Awards Gala. The tradition of observing Columbus Day dates back to the 18th century in this country. The importance of exposing students to the many truths about the controversial explorer. He was an Italian explorer looking for a faster way to India for Spain and instead 'found' the 'Americas'. Christopher Columbus argued that because they lacked . After Columbus, millions of European immigrants brought their art, music, science, medicine, philosophy and religious principles to America. Theres now even a big debate as to if we should or should not celebrate Columbus Day. Why is he important? But what exactly does it mean to be civilized? The first Columbus Day was celebrated in 1792 in order to remember the historical landing's 300th anniversary. He was. Columbus heard stories of them on his first voyage and bumped into them on his second. He had many qualities that seemed to be admirable and a lot of people were proud of him. Growing up, I wasn't exposed to this truth. Like Columbus, they claim religion to gain support. Columbus stole gold and valuables from native people, often killing to get them, and brought them back to Spain. The Encyclopedia Britannica describes him as a "master navigator and admiral." He sailed to numerous places beginning his career as a merchant marine. The Columbus controversy can also help students see that history is still applicable today. He wasn't the first to discover America since there were already people living there and others had known about this land. In fact, that's probably all you really remember about the . For privacy reasons, she has previously written on Ancient Origins under the pen name April Holloway, but is now choosing to use her real name, Joanna Gillan. Columbus undertook his first voyage facing the prospects of great danger. Columbus didnt know shit about geography! essay, Factors Contributing to Christopher Columbus' Voyage, Write Get in touch! Equipping students to grapple with the complexities of the past and the controversies of today, By grappling with the question of who we celebrate, and why, history teachers can help students navigate the complexities of the past, Resurfacing the lessons of Ferguson, which continue to resonate today, From Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, Theres definitely a trend toward questioning Columbus Day. Mo Rocca embarks on a journey to discover more about the explorer we honor each year. As most people know, the reason why we have school off on Columbus Day is because on August 3, 1492, Columbus led three ships, the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria, out of Palos. Some of my students entered high school aware of the problematic nature of Columbus but their thinking is, Well, Columbus is not important to study, because he didnt do anything. We have to push back on that. The Zinn Education Project also includes a bunch of primary sources related to Columbus, such as writings by Bartolom de La Casas. All scientific facts written in the Bible hundreds of years before man discovered them have been proven to be correct. I am sure you are familiar with his legend which states that he was born in a manger surrounded by shepherds. It was mostly the people who came after, the settlers. "Talk of an . As part of this plan, Spaniards aimed to convert native peoples to Christianity. Christians are looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and Savior Jesus Christ! True history is: man proposes. Currently 22 States dont celebrate Columbus Day It is a known fact that the vikings where actually the first to discover America but it was never recorded. and terrible, however, we cannot forget that violence went both ways and that is how history has sadly, largely worked for thousands of years. Columbus is also used as a scapegoat for many other reasons. Students need to grapple with these multiple perspectives in history and the not-so-pleasant aspects of our past. While there is plenty to criticize about Columbus, and what followed his arrival, I think this movement is missing the point. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Again, it would be like breaking American tradition if we stopped celebrating Columbus Day. Even though Eratosthenes (Greek mathematician living in Alexandria, Egypt, Columbus never discovered anything. He would cut off the hands of people living in what now is Haiti for not bringing him enough gold every three months. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bom1wPLHREv/?tagged=christophercolumbus. 2. What great leader doesnt make mistakes? https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm8ejX5lr2-/?tagged=christophercolumbus. He did open up the islands for trade with Europe and bring in a lot of money for Spain (and himself), but he was not responsible for colonizing the mainland. America has more monuments to Columbus than any other nation in the world. Even if its bad or becomes romanticized, its still far better to remember history than erase it. He gave hope across the land in dark times. A Traveling Gown With History Goes On Display, Christopher Columbus wasnt American! He may have been brave (Article 5), but that does not change the fact that he practically wiped out a whole culture and started a slave trade between Spain and the Americas (Article 2). Why is this? South Dakota was the first state to rename Columbus Day, in 1990, electing to go with Native Americans' Day. Rethink Christopher Columbus Day. The Natives were here first and so it should be Happy Indigenous People Day! Historical knowledge can help students create an argument to answer those questions. The Etruscans, although enigmatic compared to the familiar civilizations of Greece and Rome, had a significant impact on the development of Roman civilization. Many people say that Columbus was a brave, determined man, and that he was honorable for exploring an area that no one had gone to before. 10 Shocking Facts about the Ancient Romans, The Secret Tomb of the First Chinese Emperor Remains an Unopened Treasure, Archaeological Treasure Trove! ). I think there is a ton of potential in celebrating an Indigenous Peoples' Day, but what that is, what it looks like we need to start with asking indigenous folks to define it. However, to tear down his statue or other statues that are government property is a felony and you should be arrested and charged with the crime. History, in fact, is the story of conquest. We might have to write the Pledge of Allegiance again if we decided to stop as a nation celebrating Columbus Day. The second Monday in October is celebrated nationally as Columbus Day, which has been a federal holiday since 1937. -- Celebrate Italians (though there is some question as to whether Columbus would have considered himself an Italian -- he was long thought to have been born in Genoa, then an independent city-state in what is now Italy, though everyone from Greece to Portugal to Poland have claimed him as their own). Available in a range of colours and styles for men, women, and everyone. And yes, I know Columbus was at least in part a product of his brutish times and any nation who landed on Hispaniola in 1492 might have done similar things. Should columbus day be celebrated Rating: 6,1/10 1199 reviews. We should not celebrate Columbus Day because Columbus was selfish, treated natives very poorly, and he never even landed on America. https://www.instagram.com/p/BaCysGyBu9H/?tagged=columbusdaytruth. This movement sees Columbus as a symbol of destruction, and thus not to be celebrated. Christopher Columbus should not be celebrated because he committed mass genocide, forced slaves, and wiped out an entire population. Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World in 1492 has been celebrated throughout history and across both the Americas and in Spain. 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Originally designated to celebrate Christopher Columbus's "discovery" of America, post offices and banks are closed, and stores hold major sales. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Home DNA testing has exploded in popularity in recent years, with millions of people around the world using these kits to learn more about their ancestry and genetic health risks. 6. They reject the idea that it's a holiday about slaughter and enslavement. Aysha Imtiaz Should a man whose actions created a wave of genocide and killed thousands of innocent natives be considered a hero? 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. We could celebrate European American Cultural Exchange Day", not Columbus Day. Columbus said, All those who heard about my enterprise rejected it with laughter, scoffing at me Columbus said he got encouragement from the Bible. 48 Vitosha Boulevard, ground floor, 1000, Sofia, Bulgaria Bulgarian reg. 1. The great navigator Columbus Mr. Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) navigator Spain famous and pioneering major geographical discoveries in human history. Christopher Columbus day is meant to celebrate the man who discovered America. Here are a few reasons Fox News, 9.We should celebrate Columbus Day not Indigenous Peoples Day, 10.Should Columbus Day be celebrated? As if . Were theonlyPop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. The Pledge of Allegiance was written in honor of the first voyage that he did and to celebrate his 400th anniversary. He took a chance along with all of the people on board with him. According to a census taken by Columbus' men, in 1496 there were more than 1 million natives on the island of Haiti. I dont think its ever too young. Their depictions of the new world were seemingly different and each explorer possessed. We should be honoring culture that was lost all and the native people that died the instead of the man who killed them. And Washington, D.C., this week renamed the holiday, pending congressional approval. Here are five reasons we should still celebrate Columbus Day. I am not saying that he was perfect. How many countries award holidays to non-natives? But Columbus couldnt deliver on the gold claim. Let us help you get a good grade on your paper. One for every day of the year. Columbus came for the gold, spices, and slaves. You can use it as an example when writing But since the 1990s, a growing number of states have begun to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day - a holiday meant to honor the culture and history of the people living in the Americas both before and after Columbus' arrival. Interests? I think there is a ton of potential in celebrating an Indigenous Peoples' Day, but what that is, what it looks like we need to start with asking indigenous folks to define it. 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