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The Map Center
@mapcenter.com

*rings doorbell* Hello! Columbus Day has a social purpose (celebrating Italian-American contributions to American history) but Columbus is probably the worst historical figure to be its figurehead. Do you have a moment to hear about Giovanni da Verrazzano?

Craig Harrington@craigipedia.bsky.social

Christopher Columbus was a bad person who is undeserving of historical honors and who also contributed literally nothing to the history of the United States of America. This might as well be a statue of the Easter Bunny.

The Map Center
@mapcenter.com

-Verranzano actually visited territory that would become the United States. -It wasn't by accident. He wanted to go there and then went there. Because he was a decent navigator. -He made excellent maps. -He was a vanguard for empire but he didn't murder or enslave anyone (personally).

2 reposts55 likes

The Map Center
@mapcenter.com

His reputation was of great interest to Italian-American activists who elevated his narrative in the early 20th century to highlight Italian-American contributions to the US and combat anti-immigration sentiment.

The Map Center
@mapcenter.com

Verrazzano was killed (and maybe eaten?) by Indigenous people in the Caribbean and in ironic Catholic Saint fashion we should celebrate Verrazzano Day with barbecue and jerk-style recipes. Because it would be hilarious and delicious.

The Map Center
@mapcenter.com

I get why people like Columbus. If you came to America and got kicked around, it would be tempting to fight back by saying "I'm not welcome here? Buddy, my people DISCOVERED here!" But over time it becomes a huge own-goal to pretend like there aren't way cooler Italians worthy of celebration.

The Map Center
@mapcenter.com

Columbus Day is in early October so it's usually still nice out and it's a good time for a holiday. It would be a pity to lose this day off. It would, however, be the perfect time for a Verranzzano Day barbecue.