Why Should We Not Celebrate Columbus Day?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Controversy over Columbus Day dates back to the 19th century, when anti-immigrant groups in the United States rejected the because of its association with Catholicism .

What are some reasons why we shouldn't celebrate Columbus Day?

  • Columbus never discovered anything! ...
  • He proved he didn't know much about geography. ...
  • His “discovery” initiated the Transatlantic Slave Trade. ...
  • He took advantage of the indigenous people. ...
  • He decimated entire populations of indigenous peoples.

Who does not celebrate Columbus Day?

At least thirteen states do not celebrate Columbus Day (Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, DC; Wisconsin); South Dakota officially celebrates Native American Day instead.

Why Columbus Day should be changed?

America can best replace this day by acknowledging it universally as Indigenous Peoples' Day . Not only does this holiday allow the country to educate itself on the loaded history surrounding the holiday, it also celebrates the perseverance and power that Native communities continue to have in the world.

What is the controversy behind Columbus Day?

There are three main sources of controversy involving his interactions with the indigenous people he labeled “Indians”: the use of violence and slavery , the forced conversion of native peoples to Christianity and the introduction of a host of new diseases that would have dramatic long-term effects on native people in ...

Who actually discovered America?

Five hundred years before Columbus, a daring band of Vikings led by Leif Eriksson set foot in North America and established a settlement. And long before that, some scholars say, the Americas seem to have been visited by seafaring travelers from China, and possibly by visitors from Africa and even Ice Age Europe.

Did Columbus actually discover America?

Explorer Christopher Columbus (1451–1506) is known for his 1492 ‘discovery' of the New World of the Americas on board his ship Santa Maria. In actual fact, Columbus did not discover North America . ... On his subsequent voyages he went farther south, to Central and South America.

What is closed on Columbus Day 2020?

— Anything government-operated , like the DMV and public libraries, is most likely going to be closed. — Most banks will be closed, although ATMs are always available if you need to deposit a check or get some cash.

Is Columbus Day still a federal holiday in 2021?

Holiday Name Day of Week 2021 Observed Date Columbus Day (13 days) Monday October 11th, 2021

What is Aboriginal Day Canada?

On June 21 , we commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day to recognize the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. Get more information on National Indigenous Peoples Day and start your learning journey.

Why is Christopher Columbus a hero?

Traditionally, Christopher Columbus has been seen as a hero because of his role as an explorer, facing harsh conditions and the unknown as he made his famous voyage . He wanted to forge a western path to the East Indies so that trade with those nations could be accomplished much more quickly.

How can we honor Indigenous Peoples Day?

  1. #1 Attend a Virtual Celebration/Educational Opportunity.
  2. #2 Watch a Movie.
  3. #3 Take Action to Rename Columbus Day.
  4. #4 Get Involved in the Anti-Mascot Movement.
  5. #5 Support Indigenous People's Rights Organizations.

What is the difference between Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day?

14 states celebrate, honor Native American histories and cultures . Across the country, states, cities and schools are observing Indigenous Peoples Day instead of Columbus Day. Columbus Day celebrations date back to 1792, when New York City celebrated the 300th anniversary of his landfall.

Who named America after?

America is named after Amerigo Vespucci , the Italian explorer who set forth the then revolutionary concept that the lands that Christopher Columbus sailed to in 1492 were part of a separate continent.

How many Native Americans were killed?

Within just a few generations, the continents of the Americas were virtually emptied of their native inhabitants – some academics estimate that approximately 20 million people may have died in the years following the European invasion – up to 95% of the population of the Americas.

When did Christopher Columbus sail the ocean blue?

It was Columbus' dream to sail west across the Atlantic Ocean to get to India. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Italy finally agreed to pay for his trip in 1492 . This is why you may have heard the rhyme; ...”In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue.”

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.