Hola <<First Name>>,
In my culture, time is corralled into seven little boxes per row, usually of four each, put on a document containing twelve pages, and called a calendar. In October, one such box is now sharing three labels, all carrying a piece of a very large and controversial view of history. I realize this event has already passed, but it is worth mentioning.
One label conjures images of a man placing a flag into a coastal beach, three ships floating along the horizon behind him and, perhaps, some other individuals hunkering among bushes watching the scene unfold. The newly arrived take a stance of confidence, if not arrogance. The year,1492. The man with the flag? Columbus, an Italian sailing with the funds of Spain’s Queen Isabella II, his voyage “proving the world is round” and, by happenstance, “discovered the New World” – both historical lore – myths. I share this reminder from my teaching days to make a point with a lively tune.
Click here to listen tune!
In 1892, four hundred years after Columbus landed, President Benjamin Harrison proclaimed a commemoration to Columbus in observance of his landing. In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed Columbus Day as a national holiday. Last year, 2021, President Biden added his proclamation ushering in the official addition of Indigenous Peoples Day accompanying, not abolishing, Columbus Day observation.
Remember I said there are three labels? Does your calendar also raise up Día de la Raza – Day of the Races (human races)? My blog this month
Celebrating: Día de la Raza (click here) explores the phenomena of dividing us all up into bloodlines and giving us labels that continue to separate us today. It’s one thing to proudly eat your lefse, but a totally different thing to malign someone else’s tortilla or fry bread.
The beautiful fall colors come to us in red symac, golden quaking aspen, and blazing orange maples – all trees. We also come in beautiful colors – all humans.
Celebrating diversity,
Profe Jan(et)
