Columbus Day
Welcome to the 6th floor.
Today’s contributors are: Sara, Tabitha, Frank, Billy
Subject: Happy Columbus Day
“Happy Columbus Day everyone! I didn’t know what a traditional Columbus Day cake was, so I just bought a box of donuts from Krispy Kreme.” Billy says, returning home from work.
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“Smallpox blankets maybe? I could go off about how we shouldn’t be celebrating a guy like Columbus, but then again, It’s hard to argue with donuts.” Frank says.
“Well, It’s not like our other holidays are oh so pristine.” Sara says.
“You could probably make a case for why those holidays shouldn’t be celebrated either.” Frank responds.
“We could just become Jehovah’s Witnesses and celebrate nothing..” Tabitha says.
“Life is full of horribleness. Columbus, Thanksgiving, etc. July 4th is basically the celebration of war and treason is it not? But good things came from all of it, and that’s what I’m celebrating.” Billy says.
“Like it or not, our lives are the way they are because of what Columbus did. It’s similar to the idea that you can’t/shouldn’t actually go back in time and kill Hitler.”
“That’s just tv stuff. Not real.” Frank says.
“Because time travel is real anyway? I’m not arguing that we should ignore the horrible things Columbus did, or the horrible way the natives were treated, or that school programs shouldn’t be altered, but Columbus setting sail in 1492 was the start of a series of events that led to the creation of America, New York, and this apartment that we’re standing in.” Sara says.
“Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” Tabitha quotes.
“There is a difference between celebration and remembrance though.” Frank says.
“Does anyone really ‘celebrate’ Columbus Day? Most people just enjoy the day off. It could be for any other reason and it wouldn’t change anything for most.” Sara says.
“Not celebrating would be worse. It would be forgotten and glossed over.” Billy comments.
“Do we have to call it ‘Columbus Day’ like he’s some sacred hero?” Frank asks.
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“Probably not. But people don’t do change well. Things stick. Tradition. It’s the same way with Thanksgiving, which basically has the same cultural negatives to it, but we still get together with family, and celebrate life. As much as you can say ‘we should do that all the time’, it wouldn’t happen that way without the holiday. Or Christmas. I know more people that celebrate Christmas without once thinking of Jesus than celebrate it with religiously.” Sara says.
“I guess as long as people continue to be educated about the truth and not think this was all lollipops and roses. I still think Columbus’ name should be left out of it. Macy’s can advertise just as well with a different holiday name.” Frank says.
“What bridge do you take to get to the beer garden in Astoria Frank?” Tabitha asks.
“The Triboro. Why?” Frank asks, puzzled.
“Wrong. It’s the RFK bridge. People don’t adjust to change well. Some people still call the Jackie Robinson Parkway the Interboro, and that’s been like that for a long long time. But just because we’re using an archaic name, doesn’t mean we can’t fully understand or talk about the bad things associated with Columbus.” Tabitha says.
Frank laughs. “Well, you got me there.”
“Enough social studies. Let’s have a donut and watch some hockey.” Billy says, flipping on the Islanders game.
Tags: celebration, columbus day, columbus is evil, donut, history, Hockey, Holiday, Islanders, krispy kreme, new york, rememberance, rfk bridge, social studies, time travel, triboro bridge