By LEO ROBLES
Opinion Editor
Columbus Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, marks the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s 1492 arrival in the Americas.
For many, the holiday holds historical and cultural significance, rooted in the notion that it commemorates the “discovery” of the New World. Despite the increasing debates surrounding the holiday’s meaning, it remains important to some for multiple reasons.
This event was the reason why the technological advances proceeded to happen in parts of the world where there was a chance that it would take the people longer to discover. Part of these exchange of knowledge also caused diseases to spread wider from both sides.
The impact of diseases due to the arrival of Columbus caused deaths from both the invaders and the indigenous people, but it was the reason why they had to focus on making medicine that had to be efficient enough to not let those diseases eradicate them.
From a global perspective, this marked the dawn of what some historians call the “modern world,” creating interconnected societies and economies that continue to shape our world today.
Many Americans might think that Columbus Day represents the boldness of exploration and the spirit of discovery.
The entire story of Christopher’s journey into finding the new land is an admirable tale. Stories like his are important and iconic to the history of mankind.
Another significant aspect of Columbus Day is its role in celebrating Italian American heritage. Columbus Day not only has an impact into Native American people, but to the other races that were involved as well for example Italian immigrants.
The Italian American community may see Columbus Day as a celebration of their cultural contributions and a reminder of their integration into the American culture.
Parades, community events, and other festivities serve as important ways to honor this aspect of immigrant history.
However, it is important to recognize the complexities of Columbus’s legacy, which has been criticized for the devastating consequences his arrival had on Indigenous peoples.
The history of colonization, violence, and exploitation that followed his voyages has led many to question whether Columbus should be venerated at all. In response, some states and cities have adopted Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a way to acknowledge the perspectives of Native Americans and the atrocities they suffered due to European colonization.
Honestly there is not a good side or a bad side of this important event, that is just how history has been made.
Many of us have learned that most of our history was built by very dark ages of humanity and also people sacrificing their life and dreams for a better future. There was a lot of suffering during these time periods.
Until this day, we are still trying to shape human history into something to look up to. At this point, we understand that conflict is always going to be part of human nature, but at least some of us try to make the difference.
Columbus Day remains important for those who see it as a tribute to exploration, the formation of the modern world, and the contributions of Italian Americans.
The holiday’s meaning varies depending on one’s viewpoint, and its continued observance speaks to the larger cultural debates about how we remember history and which aspects of it we choose to celebrate.
For those who value its traditional significance, Columbus Day is not just about the man himself, but about the broader themes of discovery, perseverance, and heritage.
