Don’t try deny, remove or rewrite history

Here are some thoughts I have regarding the city of Oberlin’s decision to abolish Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous People’s Day — an action that is also being considered in the city of Akron.

More than likely, it has been forgotten that many tribes in this hemisphere (whom historians believe migrated over a land bridge to Alaska) had been at war for centuries with each other.

They are said by historians to have raided each other’s camps, and murdered, mutilated, tortured and enslaved their enemies, to name a few atrocities.

Of course, this was not new in the world in the 14th through 18th centuries, as these atrocities were occurring around the globe among “civilized man” and “uncivilized man” alike, whether they be white, brown, black, yellow or red.

Granted we have relegated the indigenous people of this continent’s existence to reservations and obscurity, and maybe, they should give up their reservations and integrate into the general society more that they do. Especially if they want to change the culture of the society.

They should seriously consider giving up the old ways, and move off the reservations to join the society.

In today’s society’s passion, maybe these indigenous people should be honored as having been here first. But that honor should not displace the honor bestowed upon Christopher Columbus for locating and opening up this great continent to all.

Can you imagine the fear on both sides as to first gazing upon each other?

Can you consider who attacked first (yes, fear of the unknown will do just that, fight or flight) and maybe the fear of the white man’s “fire sticks”?

As history goes, we can’t rewrite our past.

Consider, for instance, Japan’s attempt to rewrite their history books by taking out World War II and Germany rewriting their history, taking out the atrocities against the Jews.

We can learn from our past, honor our greatness, condemn our failures, and teach our children all about what is true and what are lies.

Even though I think that our educators do not seem to believe in teaching history these days, symbols such as historical statues, events and people are teaching tools, and they present no threat to our society, only strength.

Do not let the mindless few make decisions for all that are irreversible.

Stop and think. Stand up for the truth.

Yes, honor even the indigenous peoples and their leaders, the explorers, the leaders of the great expansion, the leaders of the revolution for freedom, Civil War heroes on both sides, our heroes of world and international wars, our civil rights leaders and our own personal heroes.

But, destroying those teaching tools — whether it be physically removing them, or trying to ignore or deny that they happened — is an atrocity to all who live in this Great World. Charles Holtzman Grafton