Should we still celebrate Columbus Day?

By: Isabella Gill

“Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492,” is what we’ve all been told since about the third grade. It isn’t a lie, but there is plenty more to the story, which most of us haven’t been told or informed of. Many of us believe that Columbus discovered the New World, and that lead to the colonization of what we now know as the United States of America.

Henry VII requested that Columbus set sail of the Atlantic Ocean in search of a new and quicker route to Asia and the East Indies from Europe. Columbus hoped to find spices, silk, and fine jewels in order to bring them back to Europe for riches, finer foods, and better clothes.

On October 12, 1492, Columbus landed on various Caribbean islands which are now known as the Bahamas and another island which was later named Hispaniola. He also explored the Central and South American coasts, but never actually set foot in North America, which was inhibited by Native Americans at the time.

In his journal, Columbus didn’t mince words about his intentions after meeting the Arawak natives in the Bahamas in 1492. He described the encounter thusly: “They ... brought us parrots and balls of cotton and spears and many other things ... They willingly traded everything they owned ... They were well-built, with good bodies and handsome features .... They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took it by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance. They have no iron. Their spears are made of cane. ... They would make fine servants. ... With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want.” Columbus would add: “As soon as I arrived in the Indies, on the first Island which I found, I took some of the natives by force in order that they might learn and might give me information of whatever there is in these parts.” -Rapidcityjournal.com

After landing, Columbus knew that he hadn’t discovered a new continent, but believed he had landed in Eastern Asia. During his stay in the islands, Columbus signed an agreement with Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand which gave Columbus the power to become a viceroy and governor of the Indies in the island of Hispaniola.

After having the Spaniards on his side, Columbus started kidnapping indigenous islanders from their villages. They sold women and children as slaves and for sex. In order to test the sharpness of their blades, they’d cut the skin off the villagers.

Eventually, slaves weren’t enough for Columbus or the Spaniards. They had a thirst for gold. Columbus demanded that any Natives who were older than 14 to search for gold and bring back a certain amount. If they didn’t present the wanted amount of gold, their hands were cut off as punishment.

The Arawaks organized and wanted to fight back against the Spaniards and Columbus, but this resulted in the mass genocide of the Native Americans. They could not match the brutality of the armor, muskets, swords, and horses of the European men. If Spaniards took Native Americans captive, they would be hanged or burned. The Arawak Natives began committing mass suicide to escape the brutality. They gave their babies poison to save them from the Spanish. In the next two years, 125,000 Arawak Natives were dead. Either by murder, mutilation, or suicide. By 1650, the Arawak Natives ceased to exist.

Why is it that we celebrate Columbus Day? Why do we celebrate a racist white man who committed a mass genocide against Native Americans and stole their land? For years, the wrong story has been told. Maybe it’s time to stop depicting Christopher Columbus as a hero who “discovered” America.

If you’re in need of another holiday to celebrate on October 14, celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead! It is a holiday that honors Native Americans, their history, accomplishments, and amazing culture.