Jane's Pocket Change: Collision with the 21st Century
On Monday, many states will observe the Columbus Day holiday, which – especially here in New England – often means enjoying crisp fall weather, picking apples or taking hikes. For others, though, it’s merely a simple awareness that many school-aged children have the day off as some New Englanders still go to work on that day.
On Monday, many states will observe the Columbus Day holiday, which – especially here in New England – often means enjoying crisp fall weather, picking apples or taking hikes. For others, though, it’s merely a simple awareness that many school-aged children have the day off as some New Englanders still go to work on that day.
A couple of years ago here at CSW, we discussed the idea of not observing the Columbus Day holiday since historically it represented oppression against Native Americans and the “colonization of the Americas and the death of millions.”
Columbus Day was first recognized as a federal holiday in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The day not only celebrates the North American arrival of Christopher Columbus on October 12, 1492, but also the achievements of Italian-Americans. Since the 19th century, however, observation of this day and Christopher Columbus’s achievements has been considered by many as a way to celebrate the successes of oppressors.
In CSW’s recent discussions about this day, we became more comfortable with referring to the day as “All People’s Day,” a choice in line with many Latin American nations who call the day the “Day of the Race,” Dia de la Raza. Changes like these that indicate an awareness of what words and actions mean to us are, quite rightly, happening all around us.
I was recently drawn to a piece in the New Yorker (Timothy W. Ryback, 9/24/16) called “Race, Colonialism, and the Netherlands’ Golden Coach.” Each September the Golden Coach (Gouden Koets) carries the Dutch monarchs to the parliament buildings. This day is known as Prinsjesdag, the day of the little prince. Last year protesters gathered before the carriage ride happened “to denounce the carriage itself.” The carriage panels depict black men paying homage through offerings of fruit to an allegorical queen. “When the king and queen ride around in such a coach, it glorifies this era,” said Harry Westerink, one of the protest leaders, who are seeking to banish the coach to a museum.
This year, when the king and queen departed for the parliament buildings on Prinsjesdag, they were seated in the Glass Coach (Glazen Koets), “a stately but modestly appointed carriage with the royal crest emblazoned on the side.” Apparently the Golden Coach had been recalled for servicing and restoration; this work will perhaps keep the carriage off the streets and “away from public controversy” for the next three to four years. Crisis averted?
Engaging with ideas, deep feelings, issues of justice and building community is abundant for us at CSW. To be actively part of that struggle is important for us all.
Sources: history.com and New Yorker magazine (9/24/16)
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Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.
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Pocket Change is a web diary written by Jane Moulding, head of school.
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.