Eff That Guy

The older I get, the more I resent being taught about the man whose holiday began this week in school but never being taught about the other side. I understand, sort of. I mean, if I had learned all of the stuff I know now I would probably have been a furious 10-year-old, and I guess no one wants that.

Because honestly, that’s how I feel every time I even read that man’s name anymore. FURIOUS.

He decimated an entire civilization–a peaceful civilization that welcomed him and his weary men when they landed–one that I can draw a straight line back to through my mother, and he’s lauded as a hero. He even has a fucking holiday.

[image error]Boineal the Sun God by Sabrina Cintron

Honestly, I can barely think straight if I think about it too much. So I guess I understand. A little. It would have been really confusing for ten year old me to learn about this stuff. I would have known they were talking about people who look a lot like me and it might have been even more isolating for me. I do resent the lie that is foisted on American children. The cute rhymes.

Having to learn the names of his ships but not the names of the people he almost wiped off the face of the face of the earth, that’s really the worst part. I didn’t even know the name of the people I am descended from until I had a conversation with my uncle about it. That’s how forgotten they are. It’s insulting and I hate it.

[image error]Yuiza by Samuel Lind

So, I guess what I’m saying is: do me a favor, go read about the Taíno people and learn a thing. It would mean the world to me.

Fuck that guy.

-C