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5 Places Natives Should Avoid on Columbus Day
As Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue back in the 15th Century, he stumbled upon many different places that today, in the 21st Century, are still amazing sites. But, in celebration of Native Americans on this “Columbus Day” weekend, here are five places you might want to think twice about visiting (at least for the month of October).
Genoa, Italy
This is a tough one. Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1451, but that shouldn’t make you want to avoid the entire country! Take a trip to Milan, Rome, or Florence instead.
Columbus, Ohio
The city was named after Christopher Columbus in 1812. And just .3 percent of its population is Native American. But, don’t count the whole state out as a place to visit because of its Capitol city. One of the state’s main attractions is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.
Cuba
Columbus traveled to Cuba, which he originally thought was China, on his first voyage across the ocean. But technically, today, the country is off limits for Americans because of U.S. restrictions on embargoes. Unless, that is, you are a dignitary or a celebrity.
Dominican Republic
In the 15th Century, Hispaniola was once comprised of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. According to facts compiled by CBS Atlanta, 23 people testified against Columbus on these islands, charging him with atrocities and cruelty while he was governor of the colony. He also left 40 men behind on that island because there was no more room on his ship.
Palos ports near Huelva, Spain
Allegedly, the city of Palos, near the ports in Spain, gave Columbus three ships--Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria--on his journey to find a western sea route into China, India, and the “gold and spice islands” of Asia. This city is where the whole backwards journey began.
Comments
Your list is a hodgepodge of
Your list is a hodgepodge of historical half-truths. Avoiding the Dominican Republic is a silly idea. Spanish conquerors committed atrocities all over the place, and avoiding visiting a beautiful country because Colon was governor in the 16th century is just stupid. Let's avoid the mall, the bar, the liquor store, walmart, and fast food instead.... those things are actually still killing Natives.
Siyo Greetings from Cherokee
Siyo Greetings from Cherokee Country, I believe that to not visit these places as some sort of ban is International incorrect, since today we are much more aware of the sensitivity of our International community, and should turn a new leaf and share with our relations world wide that we know what happened was terrible and it is truly sad when we sometimes reflect on the atrocities that have happened throughout world history. It is now time to rise above these issues, by first addressing them, reconciling our differences and in bringing about a more cohesive environment by reaching some sort of mutual peace agreement and peaceful settlement so that all of our Nations Countries of peoples and children of the world can travel equally free in our global society and as a way to teach our children how to heal the breach of peace, maintain peace, and then show them how to now live in peace with all our relations. Sgi Wado Aho Thank you and Nvwatohiyadv Peace To All Our Relations world wide. I don't think it will be easy, but we must be willing to do our best, and to be slow to anger but be quick to make amends with one another. With in our Customs and Traditions we will find a way to peace
THIS IS GOOD INFORMATION TO
THIS IS GOOD INFORMATION TO KNOW. I HAVE NOW STARTED TO USE THE C.C. INSTEAD OF THE NAME. ACTUALLY IT WOULD BE BEST IF WE WOULD STOP USING THE NAME IN OUR EVERYDAY VOCABULARY OR CONVERSATIONS.
Who's day? He doesn't exist
Who's day? He doesn't exist in my realm. That supposed "holiday" is garbage, and needs to go, period. I am not going to say to replace it, just wipe it out completely. America, wake up, he was a child rapist, a major sex offender, an insanely disgusting piece of trash. He doesn't fit into any specific category, and I don't find anything HOLY about that bastard. The best thing all native folk and others in the population can do is IGNORE IT, and EVERYTHING TO DO WITH HIM.
I appreciate the comments of
I appreciate the comments of Robert Swift. If only my culture would open it's eyes and recognize we are a country based on the values, foods and concepts of freedom of the people that were already here when Columbus arrived in the Caribbean in 1492. You cannot share your ideas on the rights of the life of our sacred world if you avoid taking your message to the source. I taught on the Navajo Indian Reservation for 9 years and was touched by the people in a way that has given me a different perspective of life and the world around me.