Staff Reports
Columbus Day, a holiday that celebrates a man who played a pivotal role in shaping the Americas, is being overshadowed by the absurdity of “Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” Under the leadership of Joe Biden, this day has morphed from a moment of historical significance into a playground for the left, where America-bashing and self-righteousness take center stage. The rebranding of this day raises genuine questions about what it actually honors, and most Americans seem perfectly content to bypass the festivities altogether.
The celebration of Indigenous Peoples is perplexing at best. It requires a hefty suspension of disbelief to celebrate the alleged accomplishments of aboriginal cultures in North America, especially when compared to the advancements brought by European settlers. Sure, a few words like “canoe” and “moccasin” made their way into everyday language, but what else is there? A handful of burial mounds and some primitive rock art hardly equate to the innovations achieved by the civilizations that followed. To many observers, the reality is stark: tribes lacked metallurgy, had no concept of the wheel, and engaged in horrendously brutal tribal warfare that often aimed for total extermination. Instead of positive contributions to American culture, many aspects of Native American practices—like slavery, human sacrifice, and cannibalism—stand as grim reminders of a violent past.
OPINION: Fetishizing 'Indigenous Peoples' Has Bred Anti-Americanism and Grievance Mongering Not Unity #RedState pic.twitter.com/prTJ8QspdZ
— Ian Hansen 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansensX) October 16, 2024
The tragic narrative of American Indians is a tale as old as civilization itself. History is rife with encounters between advanced societies and those that lag behind, making the story of European settlers and Indigenous tribes no different from other global encounters. However, this is where things take an absurd turn. Rather than annihilating or forcibly assimilating surviving tribes, the victorious European settlers opted to extend the courtesy of “sovereign status” to Native American tribes. They created reservations where these tribes could maintain their governance and cultural practices, sustained by federal assistance and casino revenues. Those who take pride in their Native American ancestry have every right to do so, but expecting restitution for grievances that were already addressed is a recipe for misunderstanding.
The establishment of Indigenous Peoples’ Day serves a dual purpose: it is not only an attack on America itself but also a platform to legitimize contempt for the nation. Kamala Harris’s musings about the holiday exemplify the left’s fixation on romanticizing those whom America has historically outstripped. The reality is simple: Europeans displaced primitive societies riddled with superstition and violence, and in doing so, crafted the most formidable nation the world has ever seen. It’s a history of winners and losers—sorry, losers, that’s how the cookie crumbles.
While it may seem inconsequential to allow leftists to spout their theories about identity over American pride, the actual implications are troubling. When federal policy encourages division over unity and elevates foreign grievances above personal accountability and civic pride, the nation faces a serious threat to its cohesiveness. The rise of an anti-American sentiment birthed from grievance culture can only lead to ruin for the country as a whole.
Recent events, such as a peculiar celebration linked to Native American culture, exemplify the absurdity of this trend. A display featuring military uniforms and inappropriate symbolisms suggests that some individuals have lost touch with the meaning of respect for both their heritage and the American flag. Allowing any form of mockery directed at the military undercuts the sacrifices made by those who serve. The juxtaposition of celebrating a minor Native American victory against American troops while demeaning the flag captures the tragically misguided transformation of cultural appreciation into a platform for divisiveness.
In the end, while ethnic pride might be celebrated, it cannot come at the expense of American unity. Emphasizing a narrative that valorizes historical grievances instead of fostering a shared national identity ultimately leads to disarray. The path taken by those who embrace such sentiments can only lead to further division and discontent among the American populace.
