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© 2021 The Somerville Times. All rights reserved.
Sometimes the truth hurts. In the case of long established and, in some instances, highly revered historical figures such as Christopher Columbus and others, facing up to the hard facts can be a difficult thing to accept.
How many of us lived most of our lives hearing and believing in the myths and half-truths associated with the supposed great explorer? It is almost like a religious sense of devotion to a tale that has been told for generations, indeed for centuries.
Unfortunately, much has come to light over the years that has diminished and brought down to earth the myth that once elevated one mere mortal to extraordinary heights of prominence.
In light of this, Indigenous Peoples Day has become an official city and state holiday in various localities around the country as a way to celebrate Native Americans and commemorate their shared history and culture.
Some have taken knee-jerk reactions at the thought of abandoning a long standing American tradition. But traditions do change, especially when it is the right thing to do.
Those who advocate for truth and justice have won a meaningful victory as Somerville adopts this new tradition.
Let us all join in the celebration.
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I think we need to put things into perspective. I’m sure that if we dig into every person back in history that has done anything of value for the world, you’ll likely find something they have done that we would never approve of today.
As long as we understand that there’s a difference between celebrating an achievement and celebrating the person who achieved it, we can put issues in their proper place and avoid arguments.
Let history books give credit where it is due, while at the same time making sure it is understood that those people lived in a time where many things were considered acceptable that are no longer part of our cultures.
Let’s just hope that our current climate does not send us back down that history trail. We need to learn from our mistakes, not seek to repeat them.
For every Trump supporter that thinks immigrants should go back home, does that mean we should all leave the country, except for the Native Americans? Next time someone comments to that effect, ask them and see what they have to say then.
Even the Native Americans were willing to welcome immigrants. It’s just too bad we didn’t give them a reason to be glad they did. Today’s immigrants are much more grateful and willing to be part of our culture, and are not seeking to take as much as they can away from the rest of us.
We should celebrate that America is a land comprised of many diverse cultures, and also respect those who were here long before us. I don’t think the world will end if we change the name of a holiday to better suit its meaning. Columbus didnt really “discover” America. It was always there, and Amerigo Vespucci noticed it before he did. That’s why it’s called “America” and not “Columbia.”
I think it’s well about time the Native Americans are celebrated by the rest of us. After all, their culture is the original culture of America. Let all of us embrace the fact that we are living in a country that has long had a rich cultural history that we should all strive to learn more about.