Yesterday was an odd one at work because only one of my students showed up to school. I attribute the widespread absences to the Federal holiday. I'm not sure if parents did not look at the school calendar and made an assumption or if they decided to collectively overrule the school system and enjoy the holiday with their children. In reality, it is probably a combination of reasons that resulted in the majority of my caseload staying home.
I grew up celebrating Christopher Columbus as a true hero without faults. I'm glad that my children know better. When I was growing up, historical figures were presented in lights of perfection. It is almost as if our teachers didn't feel we could handle the complicated value conflicts that emerge when one studies history. I've learned that we honor history by recognizing all aspects, both favorable and those that produce discomfort. It wasn't until I was an adult that I learned that Columbus was a sadistic colonizing rapist and George Washington's teeth were actually extracted from slaves.
History is ugly and complicated. Not honoring Columbus and instead choosing to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day is our attempt to recognize the vast contributions from this underappreciated group of individuals.
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