Minneapolis refuses to recognize Columbus Day
In a move that has some stewing in their own patriotism, the city council of Minneapolis unanimously voted to change Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day. Unanimously.
Similar efforts have been made in the past by other legislatures due to the lack of evidence surrounding Columbus’ actual discovery of America. Columbus Day is also viewed as recognition of European supremacy over native people in the US. Seeing as Columbus stumbled upon the US, it’s hard to argue the case for a national holiday when others were here long before the voyager. Other landings on the coast of America were made hundreds of years prior to 1492 as well.
By changing the name of the holiday to Indigenous People’s Day, Minneapolis is choosing to recognize native peoples over Columbus. In their thinking, granting Columbus a holiday is offensive and divisive to many cultures.
Though Columbus Day is a national holiday, Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota and Oregon all choose not to recognize the day.
What’s especially surprising is that the city council vote was unanimous. Everyone felt the exact same way on this issue. It is nearly impossible to find unanimity on such an issue.
Will this change be the way of the future? Will other cities and states pick up on the trend as well? Should the federal government rename Columbus Day, Indigenous People’s Day? What’s your take?
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