History of humanity is rooted in strife

I am a descendant of Italian immigrants: My parents emigrated to Argentina, and I subsequently moved to this country. I am proud of my Italian heritage. In Latin America, however, Christopher Columbus and the holiday that celebrates him are not associated with Italy, but with Spain. After all, the “discovering” of the New World was accomplished by Spain. Columbus was born in Genoa, but he lived most of his life outside of the Italic peninsula. He spoke and wrote in Spanish. The fact that he is associated with Italy is a quirk of history. There are certainly many Italians in art and science more deserving of representing Italian heritage.

But regarding the enslavement of Native Americans by Columbus and the Spanish: The conClybourn of the Aztecs, the largest native civilization in North America, was aided by the support of other native groups that had been decimated by the Aztecs. Our own Thanksgiving celebration of an idealized repast of Pilgrims and North American natives is not more than a false image that hides a different reality.

Unfortunately, the history of humanity has been based on strife, killing and enslavement. Let us remember, too, that African natives were sold to Dutch, English, Spanish and Portuguese traders at African ports, by other African natives. If we were to topple the monuments of those who killed and enslaved others, very few would remain. What about most world religions? What should we do with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson and scores of others?

I agree that particularly offensive monuments should be removed. But most should be explained as an example of the inconsistencies of human history and the sweat and blood on which they were built.