Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Columbus Day Controversy

If you are unable to access youtube, watch the PSA for Reconsider Columbus Day here.

As much as we all enjoy a three day weekend, it's important to have an understanding of exactly what you are celebrating. Here in the United States, Columbus Day is a holiday which was created to honor an Italian explorer credited with discovering America and claiming it for Spain. (It is important to note, however, that there were people already living here and there is strong evidence that the vikings had explored the area 500 years earlier.) Several states in the U.S. do not observe the holiday, most notably Hawaii and South Dakota who have designated the same Monday as an observance for native peoples.

Throughout much of Latin America, October 12th is known as Día de la Raza or Día de la Hispanidad.  The date still refers to the day Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas, but the focus is less about honoring the man and more about recognizing the Spanish influence on the Americas.  The holiday is widely controversial throughout Latin America and is considered by many to support a Eurocentric view of history which does not reflect the indigenous experience.

What do you think? Should the United States continue to uphold Columbus Day? Do you think it seems appropriate to give Native Americans their own national holiday? What is the image you have of Christopher Columbus based on what you have been taught in school?