The Real Man Behind Columbus Day How an Author Created a Legend
The second Monday in October may be our nation’s most hot-button bank holiday thanks to the deeply divided perception of the man the holiday originally intended to celebrate, Christopher Columbus. In recent decades, there has been a re-examination of Columbus’ role as a national icon, with critics pointing to historical evidence of the man’s cruelty, incompetence, and instrumental role in establishing a racist colonial system in the “NewWorld.” In the face of such stark evidence, one wonders where the more innocent, heroic tales of Columbus sailing the ocean blue in 1492 came from in the first place. Enter Washington Irving, one of the pioneers of American literature. Irving is best known for his short stories “Sleepy Hollow” and “Rip Van Winkle,” but the early 19th-century author also dabbled in “romantic history.”This genre of literature shares many similarities with modern historical fiction, telling gripping, personal narratives set during historical events. However, unlike writers of historical fiction, romantic history authors tended to portray their works as objective, unbiased histories, despite obvious embellishments and inferences. Romantic history was particularly popular in the United States as our young nation struggled to establish a distinct culture and history of its own. In Irving’s time, most American works of literature were seen as “low” imitations of European works. It was in this context that Irving penned “A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus,” which portrayed the first European to come to the Americas as a dreamer who broke free of the backward mindset of his continental contemporaries. This
work perfectly captured the national mood, making this romantic origin story a hallmark of American myth.
Today, “The Life and Voyages” has largely been derided by scholars. Professor of American literature John D. Hazlett says that Irving “... saw American history as a useful means of establishing patriotism in his readers, and while his language tended to be more general, his avowed intention toward Columbus was thoroughly nationalist.” Despite this criticism, the mythic figure first popularized by Irving remains a national symbol today. The story of Irving and Columbus serves to remind us that “history” and the past are not one and the same. Histories, romantic or otherwise, are interpreted and consumed by those in the present and can often say more about their own time than those they attempt to portray. Our nation was in search of an identity distinct from Europe in 1828. As the debate around Columbus Day continues to surge, one may ask, what is our nation in search of today?
Going Beyond ‘Get Well Soon’ If you’ve ever had a friend or loved one suffer a debilitating injury, you know how powerless you can feel to help. You want to make a difference, but in the face of severe medical challenges, it can be hard to know how. It’s important to remember that, while you may not be able to have a direct impact on your loved one’s physical recovery, there are concrete actions you can take to support them in ways doctors can’t. Support their everyday life. time to help your friend with everyday tasks is more than just a practical gesture — it lets them know they don’t have to bear the burden of their injury alone. Support their emotional recovery. People faced with injuries, disabilities, and illnesses can feel emotionally isolated from their friends and loved ones. They may feel that others won’t understand their pain or 3 MEANINGFUL WAYS TO SUPPORT RECOVERY
that they should put on a brave face and not complain. You can’t force your friend to talk about their issues, but simply being there to listen to what your friend is going through makes a world of difference. Having someone who is willing to listen without judgment can provide a salve for emotional hardship. Support their rights. Sometimes an injury can leave your loved one tangled up in disputes with opportunistic insurance companies or individuals they feel are responsible for their injuries. While you may not be able to represent your friend’s legal interests in these situations, you can introduce them to someone who can. Referring your friend to a personal injury firm you trust can help them chart a path toward just compensation for their injuries.
Traumatic injuries can make many aspects of day-to-day life difficult or impossible. Simply making dinner or taking their kids to school may now be herculean tasks for your loved one. Offering to be a volunteer driver or preparing a home-cooked meal can give that person a much-needed breather. Taking the
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