Why should we not Celebrate Columbus Day

The quote “These Natives are so nice, we’d be crazy not to enslave them” attributed to Christopher Columbus, though contentious, encapsulates the troubling legacy of a figure traditionally celebrated in American history. The question arises: why should we not celebrate Columbus Day? While some people view Columbus as a hero who discovered America, this perspective is deeply flawed. In reality, Christopher Columbus was a controversial figure, whose actions included murder, rape, and theft. He did not discover America; rather, he landed on lands already inhabited by Native Americans.

Upon his arrival in 1492, Columbus enslaved these Native peoples, disrupted their way of life, and extended his control over the Caribbean Islands. This essay argues that the United States should reconsider its celebration of Columbus Day due to the atrocities he committed and the destruction he brought to indigenous cultures.

The Case Against Columbus Day

One primary reason Columbus Day should not be celebrated is the glorification of a historical figure who inflicted immense suffering on the Native American population. Columbus’s arrival marked the beginning of a period of enslavement and violence against indigenous peoples. The tranquility of their homes and lands was shattered by acts of genocide and widespread abuse. By celebrating Columbus Day, we inadvertently honor a legacy of brutality and oppression. On the other hand, some argue that Columbus represents a bold leader and explorer who expanded knowledge of the world. However, this narrative overlooks the severe consequences of his actions, which were marked by exploitation and cruelty.

Columbus’s endeavors were documented with numerous accounts of violence and inhumanity. He and his men committed acts of genocide, killing a significant number of indigenous people. They possessed superior weaponry, which facilitated their dominance and control. The mistreatment extended to sexual violence, with young Native girls, some as young as nine or ten, falling victim to horrific abuses. The enslaved were forced to perform grueling labor to meet Columbus’s demands for gold, crops, and land, often resulting in malnourishment and sickness. The cruelty extended to physical mutilations, such as cutting off a slave’s nose or hands to assert dominance and instill fear.

The Ongoing Impact of Columbus’s Actions

Furthermore, Columbus’s actions had long-lasting effects on Native American societies. He perpetuated a cycle of enslavement and abuse, causing significant harm to their communities and environment. The indigenous population suffered massive depopulation, exacerbated by suicides and the heart-wrenching choices of parents who killed their own children to spare them the horrors of slavery. Diseases introduced by Europeans spread rapidly, to which Native populations had no immunity, further decimating their numbers. Columbus’s men executed slaves without hesitation, treating them as disposable commodities.

Understanding Columbus’s impact on Native Americans remains crucial today because many people still hold misconceptions about his legacy. The belief that Columbus discovered America and that his actions were merely reflective of his time persists. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the true extent of his brutality. Columbus is often celebrated as an intrepid explorer, overshadowing the reality of his actions, which were driven by a desire for power and personal gain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the United States should reconsider the celebration of Columbus Day, focusing on the historical reality rather than the mythologized narrative. Columbus’s actions were marked by violence, enslavement, and cultural destruction, leaving a legacy of suffering and injustice for Native Americans. Recognizing and understanding this dark chapter in history is essential for promoting a more accurate and inclusive narrative. By ceasing to celebrate Columbus Day, we can acknowledge the voices and experiences of indigenous peoples and work towards healing the wounds of the past. The focus should shift towards honoring the resilience and contributions of Native American cultures, ensuring that history reflects the truth and the lessons we need to learn to create a more just future.

Did you like this example?

811

43