PIERCE COLLEGE : Events to Examine Columbus Day

Because of the controversy surrounding the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America, Pierce College student government leaders invited speakers from both sides of the issue to present their views at a Columbus Day observance Monday.

“There are a lot of arguments about whether we should or should not celebrate the day,” said Castulo Romero, Associated Students Organization commissioner of student affairs.

“A lot of people feel we shouldn’t celebrate it because it was the beginning of a holocaust for the Indians. Of course, others argue that the discovery brought new civilizations and new technology to the New World, so we should celebrate it.”

At 11 a.m. in the Campus Center, Eriberto Gonzales, painter and member of the Southern California American Center, and his wife, Angelica Gonzales, will discuss why Columbus Day should not be celebrated. Gonzales will show slides of his art, which depicts the plight of American Indians after the Spanish Conquest, Romero said.

At noon, a panel of professors will discuss “Christopher Columbus, Hero or Villain: Why We Should or Shouldn’t Celebrate Columbus Day.”

Chiqui Bianco, executive director of Spanish-language television Channel 34, will speak at 1 p.m. on the topic “Then and Now, How the Discovery Affects Us.”

Bianco has researched opinion in Spain and Latin American on the issue.

In addition, 20 Aztec Indian dancers from Mexico will perform and various campus clubs will sell ethnic foods throughout the day.

“We’re trying to make this a big event because most people don’t know the impact” of Columbus’ discovery of America, Romero said. “We are the product of two civilizations that collided 500 years ago.”