Think back to elementary school when we all learned of this great guy named Christopher Columbus who discovered America. We all remember the saying "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue" that even ended up in a Mini Wheat's commercial, but in reality, all Columbus did was walk into an already developed civilization and ruin it. But somehow society decided to dedicate a whole day to the person who spread disease to indigenous people and took their land.
Christopher Columbus is a great example of what not to do. He spread disease, enslaved many Native Americans, and caused genocide of Native Americans. Knowing all of the things Columbus caused it seems obscured why he is celebrated and idolized. Thinking of it, why are children all across the United States taught about Columbus being a great man when "He wasn't the first European in the New World, either. Leif Eriksson and the Vikings beat him to it five centuries earlier." I strongly believe instead of continuing to idolize the man who wiped out an entire civilization we should instead celebrate Indigenous people's day to honor an recognize the people affected by the harsh actions of Christopher Columbus.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/08/us/columbus-day-vs-indigenous-peoples-day/index.html
