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Columbus Day is a public holiday observed on the second Monday in October by the United States to commemorate Christopher Columbus. It has been widely observed as a celebration of national identity, recognizing Columbus and his part in discovering the New World for Europeans (Madrid Gil, 2023). However, there are rising concerns regarding the effects Columbus brought, such as colonization and the suffering of native people. Therefore, Columbus Day should be discontinued and replaced with a new post-colonial perspective as this promotes a more accurate and respectful recognition of Indigenous peoples' history and welfare, aligns with modern principles of equality and diversity, and promotes enhanced educational programs and community activities that raise awareness about Indigenous experiences.
Columbus Day has to be discontinued and replaced by a new post-colonialist approach because it will enable individuals to celebrate their Indigenous day and promote better recognition of their welfare and past. Many cities and states have already celebrated this holiday in the form of Indigenous Peoples' Day, which helps people learn more about the role and history of Native Americans (Henry-Reid, 2021). For instance, Indigenous Peoples' Day can promote historical accomplishments, arts, and activism to defend Indigenous peoples' territories and sovereignty. This change is recognising past wrongs and respecting Indigenous peoples and their cultural practices to the present day (Madrid Gil, 2023). As a result of Indigenous people's recognition, a new holiday contributes to the understanding of cultural differences and maintains the continuity between history and the present, thus creating a more understanding and accepting society of other cultures.
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Write my essayIn addition, Columbus Day should be discontinued, and a new post-colonial vision should be implemented as it will solve historical and social problems. Such a transition resonates with the modern ideas of equality and diversity, countering infamous historical misconceptions (Henry-Reid, 2021). The Black Lives Matter movement, along with other social justice movements, has brought attention to the need to reconsider the symbols and customs that reinforce oppression and past misdeeds. Replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day is a practical action toward addressing the past injustices done to Indigenous people (Madrid Gil, 2023). Such a change would rectify past errors and contribute to current attempts to fashion a world in which everyone is appreciated and accepted. Acknowledging historical facts makes it possible to lay a solid ground for a better future free from discrimination.
Moreover, the removal of Columbus Day has positively affected the communities that have decided to do so. For example, educational programs and related community activities, including those tied to Indigenous Peoples' Day, have raised consciousness about Indigenous experiences (Bondarenko, 2023). These practices include partnerships with Indigenous people to enhance their power or authority in representing Indigenous knowledge. This equality established within the framework of cooperation allows the resolution of problems that have arisen in the past and creates tolerant societies (Henry-Reid, 2021). These endeavours suggest that implementing Indigenous Peoples' Day across the country could be beneficial, demonstrating the significance of historical accuracy and representation in promoting unity and understanding among diverse communities.
Those against the discontinuation of Columbus Day say that the holiday reflects the Italian-American culture and positively contributes to society. They argue that Columbus, despite his cruelty, represents the period of discovery and exploration (Eason et al., 2021). However, such a view must be made aware of how people can have issues with a figure closely linked to colonization and subjugation. The heritage of Italian Americans needs to be acknowledged appropriately, yet this can be achieved without idolizing a shady character (Henry-Reid, 2021). Having a different holiday for Italian Americans can help to celebrate Italian American culture and achievements without the problems associated with Columbus. This would correct the distortion of history but also embrace the good aspects of the Italian American heritage.
Conclusively, discontinuing Columbus Day in favour of a holiday that reflects a post-colonial perspective is the only way forward to encourage a positive view of history. Columbus Day is a celebration of Columbus's conquest of indigenous people with no regard for the pain and strength they endured. At the same time, a new holiday would acknowledge indigenous people's contributions and their histories. This change is consistent with social justice initiatives that aim to rectify past injustices and create a more just society. The case shows that society has an opportunity to change the statistics and events chosen for celebrations in the given year and promote a tolerant attitude towards representatives of other cultures and races for a better future. Changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day can be viewed as correcting historical mistakes and respecting and recognizing everyone in society.
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- Bondarenko, D. M. (2023). Post-colonial Nations in Historical and Cultural Context. Rowman & Littlefield.
- Eason, A. E., Pope, T., Becenti, K. M., & Fryberg, S. A. (2021). Sanitizing history: National identification, negative stereotypes, and support for eliminating Columbus Day and adopting Indigenous Peoples Day. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 27(1), 1.
- Henry-Reid, T. (2021). Invaluable: Value Added Tax, Post-Colonialism, & the United States of America. Brook. J. Int'l L., 47, 527.
- Madrid Gil, S. (2023). Woke culture and the history of America: From colonization to depersonalization. Church, Communication and Culture, 8(1), 18-42.
