At a time of
so much political correctness, specifically the controversy over the name and
logo of the NFL team, the Washington Redskins, I wonder why we celebrate
Columbus Day. The second Monday in October, a day when there are schools across
the country that close in recognition of Christopher Columbus, mail is
suspended, and a big parade takes place in New York City we celebrate a man who
treated Native Americans, the indigenous population of the land he supposedly
discovered, abominably. Much is written about Columbus’ treatment of these
native people, how with slavery, warfare and inhumane acts he erased an entire
culture, yet we celebrate him and criticize the name of a football team.
Instead of denigrating
an icon and rhapsodizing about political correctness, I’d like to focus on Columbus’
sense of adventure and discovery. We may not convince a king and queen to give
us three ships and set out on a difficult voyage, but we can make our own
discoveries.
An infant discovers
his fingers, a chef a new flavor. You may discover a new wine or a flower in
your garden that you never planted. Through exercise we discover an inner
strength as well as a physical one and explore the beautiful ways a body can
move. Writers discover truths about themselves as they create new characters
and painters explore their inner thoughts on canvas. Photographers explore new ways
to capture an image through lenses and apertures and readers discover people
and locales, whether from the past, present, or future.
Exploration,
discovery, adventure – we can have it all and we don’t even have to leave our
homes. Quiet your mind, close the digital screens, turn off the television and let
your mind take you on an adventure. You may discover something new about
yourself. Enjoy the journey.
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