Hello,
Well, like the title says, it’s my day off, so I thought i’d throw in my 2 cents about this holiday, and why I think this day should NOT be celebrated as a national holiday.
Columbus is a controversial historical figure who is widely viewed as terrible due to the consequences of his expeditions and the impact they had on indigenous populations. Every year, we question whether we should continue to have a day to celebrate his discovery, as many argue it represents a dark chapter in history. However, as with most stories, his bad deeds have often been exaggerated to make him fit the role of a villain, overshadowing the complexity of his journey and the challenges he faced. Additionally, some historians argue that, despite his flaws, Columbus’s voyages were significant in shaping the course of history by opening up new trade routes and fostering cultural exchanges. The video below, by the YouTube channel KNOWING BETTER, presents a thoughtful defense against these claims, highlighting lesser-known aspects of Columbus’s life and his contributions to navigation and exploration. I urge you to watch this video, as it provides insight into the nuanced debate surrounding his legacy and encourages a more balanced understanding of historical narratives.
So, was KNOWING BETTER correct? This question has sparked a lively debate among viewers and commentators alike. Well, YouTuber BADEMPANADA didn’t think so and took it upon himself to delve deeper into the claims made in the original video. In his well-made and thoughtfully constructed video, he meticulously dissects those arguments, presenting counterpoints that challenge the validity of the points raised by Knowing Better. His approach not only invites viewers to reconsider their stance but also encourages a broader discussion about the subject at hand, bringing in additional context and insight that enriches the overall conversation.
I fact, this started a debate between these two youtubers.
My Reddit Response, “My Thoughts on BadEmpanada’s Columbus Response – and Actions Taken” https://www.reddit.com/r/KnowingBetter/comments/dvejqq/my_thoughts_on_badempanadas_columbus_response_and/?rdt=39938
Ad, knowing better, made a thoughtful video response to that video, carefully addressing the points raised and offering a well-reasoned perspective that not only clarified his stance but also encouraged open dialogue among viewers. He incorporated engaging visuals and examples to illustrate his arguments effectively, creating a richer experience for his audience. =
Now personally, as far as the holiday goes, none of the history presented above means anything to me. The reason I don’t want Christopher Columbus Day to be a national holiday is because we worship the folkloric legend about Columbus that sprung up here in the U.S., instead of the actual man, who had little involvement with U.S. history and even died centuries before the United States of America even became a country. It’s troubling that we hold up a figure whose achievements are often exaggerated and divorced from the complexities of the circumstances he encountered.
While Columbus is celebrated for “discovering” America, there were already vibrant cultures and civilizations thriving on the continent long before his arrival. This celebration oversimplifies history and overlooks the consequences of his voyages, which led to the suffering and exploitation of indigenous populations for centuries to come. Embracing a more nuanced understanding of historical events would allow us to honor the true diversity and resilience of the people who have shaped this land, rather than adhering to a myth that doesn’t account for the full truth of our past.
Now let’s talk about the day I think SHOULD be honored as a federal holiday, INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples and commemorates their rich histories and diverse cultures. This observance not only recognizes the unique traditions and contributions of Indigenous communities but also emphasizes the significance of healing and reconciliation in contemporary society. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October and has gained recognition as an official city and state holiday in various localities, demonstrating a growing acknowledgment of the importance of Indigenous voices in history. The holiday began as a counter-celebration held on the same day as the U.S. federal holiday of Columbus Day, which honors Genoan explorer Christopher Columbus, whose arrival in the Americas marked a troubling beginning for many Indigenous tribes. Some people do not observe Columbus Day at all, citing the lasting harm Indigenous tribes suffered because of Columbus’s contributions to the European colonization of the Americas, an event that led to widespread displacement and atrocities against Native populations.
The roots of the holiday can be traced back to discussions and propositions regarding instituting it as a replacement for Columbus Day, which took place in 1977 during The International NGO Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas in Geneva, Switzerland, where activists sought to shift the narrative surrounding Indigenous peoples. In 2021, Joe Biden formally commemorated the holiday with a presidential proclamation, becoming the first U.S. president to do so, and this act of recognition was seen by many as a step towards acknowledging the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. Presidential proclamations have also been issued in 2022 and 2023, further solidifying the importance of this holiday in the national consciousness and inspiring renewed dialogue about the reparative actions that can honor Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not a recognized holiday under U.S. Federal Law; however, it serves as a powerful movement advocating for the acknowledgment and celebration of the rich history and diverse cultures of Indigenous communities across the nation. As discussions around social justice and equity continue to evolve, more states and cities are beginning to embrace this day, highlighting the contributions of Indigenous peoples while also confronting the historical injustices they have faced. This growing recognition reflects a broader commitment to understanding and honoring Indigenous heritage and the ongoing fight for rights and representation. Yet, the journey towards nationwide acknowledgment remains complex and requires ongoing advocacy.
We’ll talk more about this on my next post.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 