On the second Monday of October, we’re expected to commemorate Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. It’s a federal holiday, which means if you’re a “non-essential government employee,” you have the day off, and institutions like banks, DMVs, and post offices are closed. For many, Columbus Day is just another holiday on the calendar: a reason to celebrate or an inconvenience (like delaying check processing).
Let’s take a moment to reflect on what we learned about Columbus back in school. In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue with his three ships — the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria. He was born in Italy and believed the world was round, a common understanding by that time. His goal? To find a westward route to Asia in hopes of accessing its treasures of silk, gold, and spices.
After being turned down by various European monarchs, Columbus secured funding from Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, who provided him ships and crew (coerced from the people of Palos). In exchange, he promised to share 10% of his profits and convert Indigenous peoples to Catholicism. This act of colonization set the stage for significant suffering.
Columbus landed in what are now known as the Bahamas, specifically on an island called Guanahani by its Native inhabitants. The reality is he did not “discover” anything; he merely arrived in lands already inhabited by Indigenous peoples, whom he mistakenly referred to as Indians, believing he had reached Asia.
Columbus’s ventures quickly turned disastrous. He sought gold and spices but found little of either. Instead, he resorted to enslaving Indigenous peoples. On his second voyage, he took hundreds of Native people captive, sending many back to Spain as slaves. This action alone resulted in the enslavement of over a thousand individuals. It’s worth noting that we are observing a holiday honoring someone who directly contributed to the enslavement of thousands.
Moreover, the oppressive systems initiated by Columbus led to the suffering and mass suicides of Native populations who could not endure the harsh tributes enforced upon them. Historical accounts indicate that over three million Indigenous people perished due to war, slavery, and harsh working conditions under Spanish rule.
In recent years, there has been a push to recognize the historical injustices committed during Columbus’s expeditions. Many places have shifted from celebrating Columbus Day to honoring “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” instead, which is a step toward acknowledging the true history of the land we live on.
In conclusion, Columbus was neither a hero nor a discoverer. He initiated a tragic era, characterized by the genocide and cultural erasure of Indigenous peoples. The holiday that celebrates him is increasingly seen as outdated and offensive. It’s essential to learn about the true impact of these historical figures and recognize the land’s original inhabitants.
For more information on the importance of recognizing Indigenous cultures, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination by Make a Mom. Additionally, this blog about home insemination offers insightful discussions on modern family planning.
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Summary:
Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. However, it is increasingly recognized as a day that honors colonialism and the suffering of Indigenous peoples rather than a genuine celebration. Many regions are transitioning to “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” to acknowledge and respect the history of Native cultures.
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