As many students are enjoying their 3-day weekend, UConn students are sitting in class getting an education. And even though this decision was probably made to give students a week break for Thanksgiving, I'm glad that UConn is not taking today off. Today, October 11, 2010, is also National Coming Out Day, a day for queer people to escape the oppressive closet; so it's ironic that many Americans are using today to honor one of the original oppressors.
I made a joke on Facebook just past midnight last night wondering what I should come out as for National Coming Out Day. After all, coming out as gay is sooo 2009 for me. I think people know by now! So instead, I'm coming out as an activist; and not just a queer activist, but an activist for any group or community facing injustice. And today, the group I would like to advocate for is the indigenous people of the Americas, otherwise known as Native Americans.
We celebrate Columbus Day, but usually do not pay respect to the sacrifices and sufferings of the people who originally inhabited this land. I am as a patriotic as anyone and could not imagine living anywhere else in the world. So I am grateful that we have this country to live in. But I am not naive as to all the people that died to make my American dream a reality. So what are we to do? We can't turn back time. But we can begin showing respect for the Native American people. So instead of celebrating Columbus Day, let's reconsider what this holiday should truly be about. Let's celebrate the indigenous peoples of America!
I really like the way you conceptualize equality and convey its use in a more practical sense. If more people thought like you Vu, the world would be a much happier place.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nick. I really appreciate that. Truly.
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