Why, you ask? Because I don't feel that the conquest and exploitation of the native peoples of the Americas should be celebrated. Because I think celebrating the "discovery" (since the people who were already here didn't discover it) of "America" (really an island in the Caribbean) by some guy is really not that monumental. Because it's racist and blatantly assumes European superiority over native Americans.
Educate yourself about Christopher Columbus and the real story of his voyage. Read "American Holocaust" by David E. Stannard. It's a real eye-opener. I have a copy if you'd like to borrow it. Take a look at these editorials from today's NYTimes and USAToday. Read the wiki page on Columbus Day. Then think about this day and what it means to you. Is it important to celebrate the "discovery" of "America" today?
I will take today to mourn the genocide of native peoples in the name of conquest and gold. Maybe someday, if enough people are made aware of the real history of the American conquest, this day will no longer be a celebration of European superiority. Someday, hopefully, it will be a day of reparation.
