Should Columbus Day become Native American Day?

Columbus may not have been the best of guys. But he was typical of his culture. He is historically relevant, and our kids need to learn about him. I remember when I was an elementary student (long ago) and he was celebrated almost like a cultural hero. I did not find out about his more insidious deeds until later in high scholl AP history. We need to show all of his contributions and faults. Maybe we could pick another day or way of celebrating Native American culture and heritage. I am part Choctaw, and now the wonderful culture that is there to share.

If History was taught properly Columbus did not land in North America.Centeral and South America, and the Islands : ut North America.

History Major in the 1960's

Oh for Pete's sake! Holding "Native American Day" on October 10th would be an insult.

What's so wrong with Columbus? He proved the European continent wrong in their beliefs and opened up trade and exploration of the Americas. Sure, it led to annihilation of the indigenous peoples, but that would have happened eventually anyway. Direct your anger at the Spanish and the Roman Catholic Church if you need to have hate.

Rather than get all your undies in a bunch about a single explorer and a fruitless attempt to re-write history, why don't you honor the achievements of great people of all backgrounds and work at making the future for Native Americans more than government handouts and corrupt casinos?

Why can we not honor Columbus achievement without tearing down another historical figure? We recognize that Columbus had character flaws, as we all do, but the fact remains that his achievement brought our ancestors to the Western Hemisphere.

His conduct was acceptable in the time and culture in which Columbus lived. While those actions would not be accepted today, the standard for behavior is not the same for all explorers and people today.

America is harshly criticized by our global counterparts in regard to pollution and human rights by some of the worst abusers of pollution and human rights violations on the planet. The double standard is alive and well!

How about "Kenny Irwin Day?"
he works at the native american indian centre of central ohio.. off innis ave.by 4th st..

Teach both! There is an excellent little book called "Encounter" which tells the story from the Taino's perspective. You can also access De La Casa's journals entries which describe the journey and the encounter. The book 1491 is also excellent. Tell both stories. Columbus is important, but he also caused the clash of two worlds: The kids usually enjoy the idea that we're still dealing with this clash today!

Yes, it should be changed because the outcomes and consequences of Columbus' presence on this continent are intricately tied to genocide and extinction of indigenous people and cultures.

I don't necessarily think indigenous cultures should be "honored" as you represented in your question. However, to honor Columbus, (to my way of thinking) is to honor a killer.

To not tell the truth of who was already here, and the cultures that were in place, is to lie by omission; Never a good policy in education. Especially, in a society that is supposed to prepare young people to become articulate, critical/analytical thinkers who can contribute to and maintain democratic principles. Hmmm...what's going on?

How would we celebrate Native American Day? With casino's and othre gambling? Payments to those who lost their land? I agree with the writer about time to move on. Make it an educational day if you choose to. Let the Italian-Americans celebrate their hero if they choose. Make it a day of mourning for a lost culture (some of whom sacrificed human beings) if you feel like it. Freedom of choice is what America is all about. Celebrate or not, your choice.

I agree girl!

I believe the Columbus Day topic is now another excuse to jump on the band wagon of excessive political correctness. I'm not in favor of changing "everything for everyone" that has been part of history for many years, because it might hurt someones feelings. Ex: Indian Names of places because now the name is offensive, when it hasn't been offensive for 100's of years??

This is going to be one of our new society's downfalls - people trying to protect "feelings" of others. It's happening in schools, local municipalities and at the govt. level. Americans need to re-grow thier backbone.

Energy should be spent addressing real issues that affect lives, not that "hurt feelings".