CAMPUS

Is Columbus a Villain?

Just days after the very public controversy over the posting of crucifixes in classrooms at Boston College finally began to die down, a new controversy has erupted on the heights. A picture of Christopher Columbus has appeared above a cubical in the student activities area at BC. The picture depicts Columbus with an arrow sticking through his forehead and includes a brief caption protesting the celebration of Columbus Day. While the picture has not raised as much controversy as the crucifixes, some students are nonetheless concerned about the image, which was apparently put up by a Latin-American group.

The picture raises two fairly important questions about the university and its students. First, students must determine whether or not the picture portrays a political belief that is viable, articulate, and respectful of other students. Secondly and independently, students must determine whether or not the picture is appropriate to be shown at a student activities center. As to the first question, I strongly believe the beliefs of these students to be completely ignorant. Columbus Day is not celebrated in order to remember Columbus the man as much as it is for the discovery he made. I understand that many people disagree with the notion that Columbus “discovered” anything but the undeniable fact is that he was the first to open a distinct and lasting line of communication between the America’s and Europe. This was easily the most important accomplishment of Columbus’ generation and quite possibly one of the most important in the entirety of human history.

As to the second question, I am not sure that this abrasive manner is the most conducive to dialogue. Students surely have the right to voice their opinions, but there must be a distinct line between effective dialogue and meaningless controversy. For example, if the man depicted in the picture was Martin Luther King, Jr., I do not think that it would have stood for five minutes. Campus police would have undoubtedly taken it down and possibly arrested all of those involved. If it is unacceptable for one person to be depicted in this manner, than it should be unacceptable to depict anyone in this manner.

I do not write this to defend Columbus’ personality but to merely point out that someone can disagree with the personal choices of a man and still respect the very important accomplishes he made. Furthermore, this blog post is meant solely to encourage decent, honest, and meaningful dialogue instead of simply throwing up an abrasive picture and hoping it somehow helps the situation.