This Saturday, the national government celebrated a “historic milestone” by remembering the arrival of Christopher Columbus to America. On this occasion, he once again used the name “Columbus Day” to refer to the holiday that, Since 2010, it has been known as “Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity”in recognition of the native peoples.
“Today, October 12, we celebrate Columbus Day in commemoration of the arrival of Christopher Columbus to America,” says the video. The publication seeks to highlight the importance of this event and its impact on the formation of current American societies, but it leaves aside the influence and importance of the native peoples of the continent.
Message on social networks
In a video published on social networks, “the arrival of Christopher Columbus to America” was expressed as “a milestone that marked the beginning of civilization on the American continent“This statement generated reactions, since the Casa Rosada chose to return to a nomenclature that many consider backward and controversial.
Authoritarians don’t like this
The practice of professional and critical journalism is a fundamental pillar of democracy. That is why it bothers those who believe they are the owners of the truth.
Visual and narrative representation
The video showed images that recreate the arrival of Columbus in 1492, accompanied by a voice-over that highlights that “a new era of progress and civilization opened in the New World”. The announcer also stated that “Columbus, as a symbol of expansion and progressreminds us of the human capacity to overcome the unknown and seek new opportunities for development and civilization.” This approach may generate criticism, as some may interpret it as an attempt by the current administration to distance itself from the policies of previous administrations regarding indigenous peoples.
Name change
In Argentina, the date was known as “Columbus Day” until 2010. That year, The new name was adopted to recognize the cultural and ethnic diversity of all peoples. The official description of the holiday, which still appears on the Government website, explains that the paradigm shift seeks to value the immense variety of cultures that contribute to the construction of our identity.
Additionally, for the official 2024 calendar, October 12 is still listed as a national holiday, recognized as “Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity.”.
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