Columbus Day, A Controversial Holiday
By John A. Huguley
For decades, Americans have celebrated Columbus Day, a holiday first formally recognized in the United States in Colorado in 1905. The day commemorates Christopher Columbus's landing in the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492. Columbus Day became a national holiday across the United States when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill in 1937 that designated Oct. 12 as Columbus Day. Adjustments were later made to move the holiday to the second Monday in October, approved by Congress with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971. This congressional act was established to provide consistency and three-day weekends for the nation's workers.
However, in recent years, many cities and states have shifted focus away from Columbus, to honor Indigenous People instead. Recognizing the culture and contributions of Native Americans reflects a growing awareness of the full history behind Columbus’s heritage.
The traditional view of Columbus Day marks the beginning of European exploration and expansion, leading to the founding of the United States. However, the story of Columbus is not one of simple discovery. His arrival set in motion centuries of colonization, which brought violence, disease, displacement to the native peoples who had lived in the Americas for thousands of years, and human slavery. For many people, Columbus Day has become a symbol of that suffering, rather than a cause for celebration.
In response to this, many cities and states, including Seattle, Los Angeles, and even entire states like New Mexico, have replaced or added to Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day. This modern observance aims to celebrate the history and culture of Native American communities, while also acknowledging the harmful impact of colonization.
Among many, the discussion of Columbus Day causes debate over how history should be remembered and taught. Supporters of the traditional holiday argue that Columbus’s voyages changed the world and for this he should be recognized. Others believe that it’s time to reconsider who we honor, shifting focus to the Indigenous Native people whose lives were forever changed for the worse by Columbus’s arrival.
This conversation highlights the need for a fuller understanding of history. While Columbus’s role in connecting Europe and the Americas cannot be ignored, neither can the suffering of Indigenous people. Recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day is one small step toward a more inclusive view of the past, one that honors the resilience and culture of our Native people, even as we remember the painful parts of American History.
As the United States continues to reflect on its history, the question remains, should we continue to celebrate a figure like Columbus, or should we take this opportunity to honor the people whose lands and culture was forever altered by his arrival? The growing recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day indicates that many Americans believe it is time for a shift in views and how we interpret history.
Copyright © 2024 - John A. Huguley - All Rights Reserved
However, in recent years, many cities and states have shifted focus away from Columbus, to honor Indigenous People instead. Recognizing the culture and contributions of Native Americans reflects a growing awareness of the full history behind Columbus’s heritage.
The traditional view of Columbus Day marks the beginning of European exploration and expansion, leading to the founding of the United States. However, the story of Columbus is not one of simple discovery. His arrival set in motion centuries of colonization, which brought violence, disease, displacement to the native peoples who had lived in the Americas for thousands of years, and human slavery. For many people, Columbus Day has become a symbol of that suffering, rather than a cause for celebration.
In response to this, many cities and states, including Seattle, Los Angeles, and even entire states like New Mexico, have replaced or added to Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day. This modern observance aims to celebrate the history and culture of Native American communities, while also acknowledging the harmful impact of colonization.
Among many, the discussion of Columbus Day causes debate over how history should be remembered and taught. Supporters of the traditional holiday argue that Columbus’s voyages changed the world and for this he should be recognized. Others believe that it’s time to reconsider who we honor, shifting focus to the Indigenous Native people whose lives were forever changed for the worse by Columbus’s arrival.
This conversation highlights the need for a fuller understanding of history. While Columbus’s role in connecting Europe and the Americas cannot be ignored, neither can the suffering of Indigenous people. Recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day is one small step toward a more inclusive view of the past, one that honors the resilience and culture of our Native people, even as we remember the painful parts of American History.
As the United States continues to reflect on its history, the question remains, should we continue to celebrate a figure like Columbus, or should we take this opportunity to honor the people whose lands and culture was forever altered by his arrival? The growing recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day indicates that many Americans believe it is time for a shift in views and how we interpret history.
Copyright © 2024 - John A. Huguley - All Rights Reserved