March 17 , 2024
By now, you've surely heard, the City of Berkeley, California, has decided to replace the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day with a new holiday: Colonial Peoples Day. As part of this decision, they have also removed the statue of St. Patrick from Columbus Avenue. While the intentions behind these actions may be well-meaning, they are misguided and fail to consider the historical significance and cultural value of St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated for centuries as a way to honor Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick. It is a day when people of Irish descent come together to celebrate their heritage, culture, and contributions to society. By replacing it with Colonial Peoples Day, the city is effectively erasing an important part of Berkeley’s cultural fabric.
Colonial Peoples Day, as proposed by the city, seems to overlook the painful history of colonization. British colonialism was marked by exploitation, oppression, and the subjugation of indigenous peoples across the globe. Celebrating it as a holiday is tone-deaf and dismissive of the suffering endured by those who lived under colonial rule.
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is known for his missionary work and efforts to spread Christianity throughout Ireland. His legacy extends beyond religious boundaries and includes cultural preservation, education, and folklore. Removing his statue from Columbus Avenue diminishes the acknowledgment of his positive impact.
Rather than replacing St. Patrick’s Day, the city could have used it as an opportunity for education and dialogue. Acknowledging the complexities of history, including both the positive and negative aspects, would allow for a more nuanced understanding of our past.
Statues serve as symbols that reflect a community’s values and history. Removing St. Patrick’s statue sends a message that his contributions are no longer relevant or valued. Instead of erasing history, we should engage in conversations about its complexities and learn from it.
In sum: The decision to replace St. Patrick’s Day with Colonial Peoples Day and remove the statue of St. Patrick is shortsighted. Rather than pitting one cultural celebration against another, let us embrace diversity, learn from our past, and celebrate the positive contributions of all cultures. Berkeley should reconsider this decision and find ways to honor both St. Patrick’s Day and the need for historical awareness without erasing our shared heritage.
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