The Controversial Christopher Columbus Statue in Marconi Plaza Will Be Boarded Up
The Controversial Christopher Columbus Statue in Marconi Plaza Will Be Boarded Up
It’s been a lightening rod in the city over the last few days. The controversial Christopher Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza has been the center of protesting over the last few days. It has led to an independent reporter being beat up, bicycle tires slashed as well as a quasi -Trump rally by an angry mob outside of Mayor Kenney’s home nearby.
In fact just recently Philadelphia Family Court supervisor Michael Henkel was fired after a protestor stated, “Black Lives Matter,” with Henkel responding “Not to me they don’t.”
Now it looks like the city is taking preemptive measures and boarding up the Columbus Statue to help calm things down. The announcement came Tuesday as protestors against the statue plan to state a large rally at Marconi Plaza.
The racial and social tensions have been boiling and there have been talks of possibly removing the statue via permit or by force. However, local residents armed with guns, bats and other objects have been guarding the statue.
For those guarding the statue Columbus is an important part of their Italian heritage as they believe he discovered America. Many of these same folks feel as though Italians are being unfairly targeted after the Rizzo statue was also brought down.
On the other side Columbus was not a discoverer but a colonizer for Spain as America was already discovered by indigenous people.
Furthermore Columbus’ atrocities are well documented even by his own account. He was known to brutally maim and kill the indigenous people, bringing them to the brink of extinction. Although, he has been revered and celebrated by the vast majority of early education curriculum , the powder puff history of an enchanting figure couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact many states and even the city of Columbus no longer recognize Columbus Day as a holiday as the disillusion of a noble man has become more apparent. More and more cities and states are in-turn celebrating “Indigenous Day” instead.
There are countless great Italian men and women that have done wonderful things and contributed more to society than Columbus. Surely there can be a middle ground to celebrate on of them? Perhaps a da Vinci statue could suffice?
