Celebrations and holidays that once brought communities together are now under the microscope as Gen Z sparks debates over statues, holidays, and more.
Columbus Day
Columbus Day, once a celebration of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, has come under scrutiny. Many criticize it for glorifying the beginning of centuries of indigenous oppression and displacement. As a result, some regions now celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a deeply ingrained holiday in American culture, meant to commemorate a harmonious feast between Pilgrims and Native Americans. However, it’s increasingly viewed through a critical lens for oversimplifying and romanticizing the complex and often brutal history of interactions between European settlers and native peoples.
Black Peter (Zwarte Piet)
In the Netherlands, the traditional Christmas figure Zwarte Piet, or Black Peter, often appears as a companion to Saint Nicholas, depicted in blackface. This character has sparked international controversy, with critics arguing that it perpetuates racist stereotypes.
Halloween
Halloween’s tradition of dressing up in costumes has led to debates over cultural sensitivity and appropriation. Costumes mimicking specific ethnicities or cultures are criticized for reducing rich traditions to stereotypes. The holiday prompts annual discussions on respect and awareness.
Valentine’s Day
Originally a day to celebrate romantic love, Valentine’s Day has faced backlash for reinforcing heteronormative ideas and commercializing affection. Critics argue it puts undue pressure on people to participate in a specific, often exclusionary, vision of love. There’s a push towards inclusivity and celebrating all forms of love, including self-love and friendship.
Australia Day
Australia Day marks the arrival of the first British fleet in 1788, but for many Indigenous Australians, it’s a day of mourning, referred to as Invasion Day or Survival Day. The holiday is controversial for celebrating the beginning of British colonization and the ensuing oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Victory Day Celebrations
In various countries, Victory Day commemorates the end of World War II in Europe but can be a source of tension in areas with complex histories related to the war. Some see it as a reminder of oppression and occupation rather than liberation. Debates around these celebrations often reflect ongoing regional and international tensions.
Christopher Columbus Statues and Memorials
While not a holiday, statues and memorials dedicated to Columbus have become focal points of controversy. They’re increasingly seen as symbols of colonialism and genocide against indigenous peoples. Many call for their removal or for contextualization that acknowledges the darker aspects of his legacy.
Saint Patrick’s Day
Originally a cultural and religious celebration, Saint Patrick’s Day has been criticized for promoting stereotypes of the Irish, particularly around drinking. The holiday’s transformation into a largely secular party day has led to discussions on its impact on cultural perceptions and alcohol consumption. There’s a call to return to the holiday’s roots.
Guy Fawkes Night
In the UK, Guy Fawkes Night commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 with fireworks and bonfires. However, its celebration of a historical act of terrorism and anti-Catholic sentiment has led some to question its appropriateness.
Cinco de Mayo
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is often celebrated with Mexican-themed parties and drinks, detached from its historical context as a Mexican military victory. Critics argue that such celebrations can veer into cultural appropriation and reinforce stereotypes. There’s a push for more respectful and informed commemorations.
Confederate Memorial Day
Observed in several Southern states, Confederate Memorial Day honors soldiers who fought for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Given the Confederacy’s defense of slavery, the holiday is seen by many as a celebration of a racist past. Calls to abolish or replace it with a day of reconciliation and education about the horrors of slavery are increasing.
Redskins Day
Previously celebrated in some communities with parades and events, Redskins Day has faced backlash for using a term widely recognized as a racial slur against Native Americans. The growing awareness and rejection of the term in sports and public life have led to calls for the day’s rebranding or elimination.
King’s Day (Netherlands)
King’s Day, celebrating the Dutch monarch’s birthday has faced scrutiny for embodying monarchy and class division in a supposedly egalitarian society. While still widely celebrated, there’s an undercurrent of debate about the relevance and symbolism of monarchy in the modern age. Discussions about the holiday often touch on broader issues of governance.
Presidents’ Day
In the United States, Presidents’ Day honors all U.S. presidents, but its celebration of certain controversial figures has sparked debate. Critics argue it glosses over the complex legacies of presidents involved in policies of slavery, segregation, and indigenous displacement. There’s a call for a more nuanced approach to the holiday.
Juneteenth
While Juneteenth, the celebration of the end of slavery in the United States, is a day of joy and liberation, it has also sparked debates about the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. Some argue that the holiday has been commercialized or co-opted in ways that dilute its significance.
Armistice Day
Armistice Day commemorates the end of World War I and honors the fallen, but it also raises questions about the glorification of war and military might. Some feel it should focus more on promoting peace and understanding the causes of conflict. The day is a reminder of the horrors of war, with calls for it to serve as a catalyst for peace education and conflict resolution.
Labor Day
Labor Day celebrates workers and their contributions but also highlights ongoing labor struggles and inequities in the workforce. Some argue that it has become more about end-of-summer sales than reflecting on workers’ rights and the labor movement’s history. There’s a call to reclaim the holiday as a day of activism and awareness for workers’ issues.
Flag Day
In various countries, Flag Day celebrates national pride and history, but it can also remind marginalized groups of exclusion or oppression under the national banner. Discussions around Flag Day often include debates on nationalism, patriotism, and the inclusivity of national symbols.
Anzac Day
Anzac Day honors soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who served in various conflicts, but its commemoration has led to discussions about the romanticization of war and the Anzac legend. Some argue that it should also critically reflect on the causes and consequences of war.
Pioneer Day
Pioneer Day is celebrated in Utah to honor the arrival of Mormon pioneers. It has been criticized for overlooking the displacement and suffering of Native American populations that resulted from settler expansion. Some see it as a celebration of colonialism and manifest destiny.
Heritage Day
In some countries, Heritage Day is meant to celebrate cultural heritage and national history, but it can inadvertently highlight tensions around colonial legacies and cultural appropriation. Critics call for a day that genuinely respects and honors all aspects of a nation’s diverse cultures without glossing over historical injustices.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day honors military service and sacrifice, but for some, it also symbolizes the glorification of military conflict and imperialism. There’s a delicate balance between remembering the fallen and critically examining the reasons for their sacrifice.
Boxing Day
Originally a day to give gifts to the less fortunate, Boxing Day has become synonymous with post-Christmas sales and consumerism. This shift has led to criticism that the day’s original spirit of giving and community support has been lost.
