The Visor

Controversial “holiday” is a two sided debate

October 19, 2009

Carime Sberna

   The fewer days spent in school the better.  This is the opinion of the majority of kids enrolled in school.  The only problem is, most of the days that are given off to the students are holidays.  So let’s maximize holidays!

   One of the most controversial “holidays” is Columbus Day.  While students think they should have the day off, most people in administrative positions do not warrant the holiday as worthy for a full day of vacation.

  Recently, a new controversy has developed. Is Columbus Day even a valid holiday?  With new evidence that Vikings had landed in the New World before Columbus, it is a growing concern that the day has been given a wrong title.

   Furthermore, some argue that Columbus did not even know what he had discovered, thinking he had hit India, so how could he be credited with the discovery of a new continent if he didn’t even know where he was?  With this view, it cannot be said that Columbus discovered America, but rather, stumbled upon it. 

“I think it’s important to acknowledge the holiday,” history teacher Robert Yanko said. “It needs to be treated with historical accuracy because there are important reasons to celebrate it.

   Adding even more to the controversy, some states take the day off while others just color a picture of the late Columbus. Some don’t even observe it as Columbus Day.  For example, In Hawaii it is called “Discoverers Day.”  Each state seems to have its own view on how the holiday should be celebrated. Most states, Ohio included, observe it as a Floating Holiday. This means that they recognize the holiday but they don’t close government offices, or for that matter, schools.

    “I don’t see the point in Columbus Day.  No one really talks about it”, senior Ben Schoeler said. 

    Contrary to this belief many encourage this day in school to be a day of learning about Columbus himself.  As students climb through the ranks however, talk about Columbus and his infamous ships soon dissipates.

     The most unique way the day was recognized however, is in Tennessee. The government there swapped Columbus Day for the day after Thanksgiving to give both teachers and students alike a four-day weekend.

    While this question may be a great mystery, both historians, scientists and archaeologists have made this their life’s focus; funny considering that it would just be another day off school.

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