Columbus, eh?

October 26th, 2012

I begin with a quote from Deborah Appleman that I feel summarizes the direction in which all teachers should guide their students throughout every area of study: "the aim of postcolonial study [which] is to restore the history, dignity, validit, cultural contributions, and global significance of those whose experiences have been represented within a worldview that provided no way to include 'the Other' except through direct contrast with itself". There really should be no alternative.
After growing up on a farm and attending a rural school, I was only made aware of the "great and wonderful man of the hour", Christopher Columbus. He was glorified, bronzed, and put up on a pedestal that nobody could touch, but everyone could "oo" and "awhh" at. After attending university, my eyes were widely opened to the reality of his "great discoveries".

Seeing it through a different lens, particularly a Postcolonial lens, has made me truly aware of the perspectives of the oppressed and marginalized peoples in this overly romanticized story, which is told with MANY ommissions. If we are going to advance our society and make it a completely level playing field for all cultures, we need to bring to light these truths and tell the story honestly, so we may learn from mistakes, and build on, highlight, and work toward successes.

Where better place to openly begin discussing these issues, then in an educational setting, such as...say...as school?? Oh, and when better time to start then, oh...maybe...kindergarten?? All I'm saying is that we need to understand these stories through every voice, especially the silent ones.