My Personal Opinion On The Columbus Day Vs Indigenous People Day Debate

Columbus Day to most Americans celebrate Christopher Columbus discovering America as more than just land. President William Howard Taft put it this way: “Above all, he personifies a view of the world that many see as quintessentially American: not merely optimistic, but scornful of the very notion of despair.”

People from the old world heard of his exploration and wanted to live there, it was a place of refuge and hope for people who wanted freedom. 'More than five centuries ago, one journey changed the trajectory of our world — and today we recognize the spirit that Christopher Columbus's legacy inspired” President Barack Obama stated. Christopher Columbus gave a glimpse into what the future would be. For example he started trade with the Indians and looked at America not for what it was then but what it would be.

Columbus day celebrates a genocide to the Native Americans. “Why should anyone take pride in honoring the life of a man who brought misery and degradation of the native peoples of this hemisphere?” Margaret Viggiani from The Seattle Times said.

Christopher Columbus and his crew also brought diseases to the new world and the natives immune system couldn’t handle the diseases. Julia Calderone went deeper in and looked at medical records, here's what she states:“A new infectious diseases wiped out a staggering 236,000 indigenous people by 1517, nearly 95% of their population.” Columbus didn’t discover America first. Yvonne Zipp from The Christian Science Monitor writes: “The neighborhood wasn’t exactly empty when he arrived in 1492.”

In my opinion Christopher Columbus Day should stay. Jeanna Allen from WashingtonExaminer said: “Columbus was a man whose approach to the native people he met during his first voyage was exemplary, taking delight in their friendliness and happy demeanor. He was firm in his orders to his men not to abuse them in any way, and severely disciplined those who disobeyed.” He was a very civilized man and didn’t allow bad behavior.

Jeanne Allen also stated: “He was less pleased with those from other tribes he encountered later, such as the warlike Caribs, who practiced cannibalism.” Think about this: What if Columbus hadn’t come and established trading with Indians? Most likely America wouldn’t not be the country it is now without his help. Christopher Columbus was human and humans make mistakes, I do believe his actions to help improve the country win over the mistakes he had made.