| MikeRox said:
Regardless of what he did, he was still the person who "kick started things" in America. Columbus is a key figure in the United State's history regardless of what he has done. Whether the means are agreed with is arbitary. Deciding in the 21st century that actually, the bloke did some things we don't like, therefore we refuse to acknowledge him" is actually an attempt to erase history (we no longer want to think bad people ever contributed anything, again, see Hitler). Such stances merely set us up to repeat the past. By that, I mean, we're brushing figures under the carpet, because we no longer much like how they conducted themselves. However at the time (and for centuries after) it was perfectly acceptable behaviour. It is both attempting to erase history (which you can't escape, as others have said, some of the world's greatest innovations have come from awful situations) and also in the choosing of "indigenous People's day" a cynical attempt for people to try and rid themselves of guilt for what their ancestors have done. It's not productive. |
We don't have holidays for countless people that contributed to aspects of society. No one argues we are trying to erase them from history.
Christopher Columbus impact on world history is undeniable and he should be taught in school. The columbian exchange left a massive impact both ways, in culture, food, wildlife, and people. I am all for people knowing more history and would love history initiatives so people had more complex understanding of events and people. I simply don't think of any reason to venerate Columbus.
