This letter to Ben Walsh was shared with us, to share with all of you
Dear Mayor Ben Walsh,
Thank you for bringing the debate on whether or not to keep or destroy the Columbus monument into the public eye. Yes, we learn in school that Christopher Columbus was an explorer who discovered the Americas and have memorized the catchy rhyme, “in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue,” but for most of us with a traditional education that is where our education ends. I have to admit that while I believe I received a good education and continued to read on a variety of topics, at first I honestly had no idea why anyone would want to have Columbus statue torn down. Through digging deeper into this debate I have learned that Columbus unfortunately helped support the slave trade both directly and indirectly. His explorations were the first step in bringing down a nation of native peoples and all the while presenting them to the world as lesser humans, even savages. Although new to me neither of these discoveries surprised me as Christopher Columbus’s actions were just the first of countless examples of similar wrongs that occurred over the next few hundred years. As we know, many would rightly point out that examples of these wrongs still exist today. We continue to try to evolve into a people and culture that no longer accepts these behaviors as the norm. What surprised me however, was that Italian American citizens were marginalized in society in general and that here in Syracuse, they helped erect the Columbus monument as a symbol of Italian accomplishment. I truly did not know that they celebrated it then and now with respect and pride.
I am almost ashamed to admit how much I have learned reading the opinions and ideas surrounding this debate. For that knowledge, again, I thank you. I do believe it is our duty as citizens, as lawmakers, and as a race to evolve towards equality, inclusion, and fairness. Some of the cultural human norms of yesterday are now clearly to most, inhuman. The opinions in 1492, may not match the opinions of the Italian Americans of 1934, which may not match the opinions of the native peoples and people of color today.
I personally see and support all these opinions and there are logical and moral arguments to be made by all sides. For instance, one could debate that through innovation and bravery, Christopher Columbus’s discoveries led to settling land where democracy and inclusion ruled, entrepreneurship was the engine of growth, and freedom to express your opinion was the platform for public debate. Some would remind us that Columbus stepped from the safety of land and into a man made small wooden boat, pointed it toward the horizon, and bravely stood by his belief that the earth was round as many warned him that he would sail off the edge of the earth. His discoveries eventually lead to a safe haven where Protestants and Catholics could seek refuge, as they were being set on fire and dragged through the streets of Edinburgh, Scotland for instance, simply because of religion. Yes that was the 1600s and arguably long ago.
However, our 90 year old neighbor of Polish descent was saved as she and her family finally landed on US soil after spending two years in a Russian concentration camp during WWII and then the next several years in refugee camps before being allowed into the US on refugee status. My family’s more recent example follows suit. As an immigrant, my mother sheltered in the US with three children and my two cousins as the revolution in Iran broke out in 1978. As a “towel head,” I tolerated the name calling as the alternative of returning to Iran was not an option. With these examples in mind, one might be of the opinion, that despite his many imperfections, Christopher Columbus is one of many perfect symbols, in fact, for our country. Through bravery and innovation, he helped discover a land that prospered and at least set the tone in the revolutionary concepts of freedom and inclusion, even if not perfect at its first attempt. A land that for these reasons, many dream of “setting sail” to, even today. Again, however, this is simply one opinion and not more important or more right than all the rest.
Through this debate, we must tread carefully. Dangerous is the path of placing the importance of opinion over free protected open public debate. This debate is the machinery through which change and cultural evolution occurs as it opens our eyes to truth. When, no matter how gruesome some of the truths of our history is hidden, cultural stagnation surely follows as the engine of evolution is destroyed. We can rewrite the history books to reflect new opinions and information, but is that the only way we can learn? My last history class was in 1999.
Please change your course and instead support the proposition of adding two other monuments to form a triangle. One for the native peoples and another for peoples of color. Their opinions matter, are equally important, and deserve to be included. Let’s Syracuse be a beacon of innovation in how cultural evolution is inspired and fueled in the first place. Is taking down a monument based on the opinion du jour a sign of cultural evolution or is it more a continuation of the status quo as it is simply the same tool we have used since the beginning of recorded history? Show me examples of monuments that have evolved themselves over time as the opinions and information surrounding them have evolved. We should actively seek to add to Columbus’s story, our nation’s story in fact, by adding two other monuments. In doing so, if we are very, very, lucky, there will be even more public debate directly within this triangle so that more of us can learn and evolve as I have this past year. How unfortunate and even dangerous would it be if others missed the opportunity in the future? Do not cancel the Columbus monument, add to it.
Sincerely,Farzad Sarmast – Concerned and newly evolved citizen
