In the Rethinking series, a second, expanded edition of Rethinking Columbus – The next 500 years by Bill Bigelow and Bob Peterson has been published by Rethinking Schools.
The brochure, which was published as a first edition already in 1991, answers the question why the myth and the figure of Christopher Columbus should be put to the test:
The myth of Christopher Columbus is a foundation for what children learn about society and its orders, he said. Columbus, he said, is often the first lesson children receive about cultural encounters. The legend of a brave adventurer transmits to young people which version of historical events should be valid and which should be ignored and made invisible. It conceals the brutality of the European invasion of North America.
“We need to listen to a wider range of voices. We need to hear from those whose lands and rights were taken away by those who ‘discovered’ them. Their stories, too often suppressed, tell of 500 years of courageous struggle, and the lasting wisdom of native peoples. Understanding what really happened to them in 1492 is key to understanding why people suffer the same injustices today.” Excerpt from the brochure description
Over 80 essays, poems, interviews, etc. are reproduced in the volume, which can be used to reevaluate the Columbus myth as well as “Indigenous rights.” The booklet contains teaching suggestions and materials that can be used in working with people from kindergarten age to college.
The volume can be ordered in print or as a pdf from rethinking schools and downloaded.