Spring Break
Some cultural relativism necessary when looking at past
Egon Donnarumma
Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: Commentary
Just because playing lacrosse with human body parts would not bode well as a new intramural sport does not mean that native culture or its role in history should be written off. Likewise, despite the harsh treatment Columbus subjugated Native Americans to, which no doubt is deplorable especially in today's standards, does not mean that he should be ignored for the great things he did accomplish. Although he did bring cruelty, he still did discover the land that would become our nation. He was the first to take the huge risk of sailing west and his discovery did lead the way for the age of exploration and the foundation of the American colonies.
Columbus's acts of murder and enslavement are no secret and are well known to those with a degree of historical knowledge. He is remembered today for his contributions to discovering America. His actions led the way to the North American colonies, the American Revolution and eventually, the United States of America. That is the reason for his acknowledgement and herein lays the folly of those Brown students. Along with tertiary education comes the ability to delve deeper into concepts and history that had previously seemed simple, like Columbus discovering America, and challenging and thinking critically about preconceived notions. That is the role of a university education. The role of a national holiday, however, is to note an important event or person that has contributed to the national heritage. It is to gain, at a symbolic level, a sense of national culture, tradition and history.
If that distinction cannot be seen and the goal is to ensure that every recognized historical figure is in appropriate alignment with the values held by some today, then perhaps the students at Brown should look toward themselves. The Brown family, after whom the school was named, was involved in numerous business ventures in Rhode Island, including the slave trade. If a long weekend in October cannot bear the name of an enslaver, can an institution with such an impeccable sense of moral values and justice do the same?
Columbus's acts of murder and enslavement are no secret and are well known to those with a degree of historical knowledge. He is remembered today for his contributions to discovering America. His actions led the way to the North American colonies, the American Revolution and eventually, the United States of America. That is the reason for his acknowledgement and herein lays the folly of those Brown students. Along with tertiary education comes the ability to delve deeper into concepts and history that had previously seemed simple, like Columbus discovering America, and challenging and thinking critically about preconceived notions. That is the role of a university education. The role of a national holiday, however, is to note an important event or person that has contributed to the national heritage. It is to gain, at a symbolic level, a sense of national culture, tradition and history.
If that distinction cannot be seen and the goal is to ensure that every recognized historical figure is in appropriate alignment with the values held by some today, then perhaps the students at Brown should look toward themselves. The Brown family, after whom the school was named, was involved in numerous business ventures in Rhode Island, including the slave trade. If a long weekend in October cannot bear the name of an enslaver, can an institution with such an impeccable sense of moral values and justice do the same?
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