As a semi-prominent American of somewhat Italian ancestry, I was once asked if I wanted to participate in the NYC Columbus Day parade. I said I would be happy to as long as they knew that I would talk about what a shit person he was to every reporter around. Turns out I wasn't in the parade.

Ahem. In addition to Indigenous People's Day, it should be Verdi Day. His birthday is October 10.

recent dna analysis found he was spanish

Obligatory “Do you know how bad you have to be to make the Spanish Inquisition go Hold On A Minute” type comment here.

It's Thanksgiving here in Canada!

I think you know that Italy didn't exist at the time of Columbus, Columbus' family was from Spain, and he only spoke "Spanish."

my kid's HS marching band was in the parade some twenty-plus years ago He told me earlier today that if they taught him better instead of the usual rah-rah shit, he would have stayed home and taken the day off

My family participated in Chicago's parade as part of a branch of the Italian Catholic Federation (I think? I was a kid) for years, and I distinctly remember the time I saw three kids walking the opposite direction with a sign "COLUMBUS WAS A RAPIST" which raised my awareness.

Amerigo Vespucci was an Italian explorer who coined the term "The New World." America is named after him. As far as I can tell, he never cut anybody's arm off. Columbus must have had a hell of a press agent.

I recently visited Genoa and it’s hilarious how much they don’t care about Columbus. Walked past his house twice looking for it. There’s a tiny plaque. The only-slightly-notable religious site next door gets *way* more attention.

I think we should make Enrico Fermi day.