You initially wanted to research how Native American people and culture have been memorialized in the United States. After consulting sources, you realize that this question is too broad. So, you decide to narrow your question to the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. After further research, you decide to approach your topic from a cultural perspective rather than a political perspective. You choose this perspective because you are interested in how Indigenous Peoples’ Day might better preserve and recognize the many Native American cultures (the cultural perspective) rather than how governments have responded to this proposed change (the political perspective).
Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:
.Identify a historical perspective that could be applied to your historical event.
-Ensure that you use evidence, such as examples or quotes, from your sources to support why you identified a particular perspective.
.Revise your research question based on evidence from your primary and secondary sources.
-Does the evidence from your primary and secondary sources support your research question, or do they indicate you need to reconsider it? For example, you may need to narrow your focus further or approach your topic from a different perspective. If you do not feel like your research question needs to be changed, explain why.
.Explain how historical perspective and evidence from sources influenced your finalized research question.
-How did they strengthen or challenge your research question?
Full Answer Section
Evidence
The following evidence supports the application of a colonial paradigm perspective to the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day:
- Indigenous peoples have long advocated for the removal of Columbus Day. In 1977, the National Council of American Indians (NCAI) passed a resolution calling for the replacement of Columbus Day with a day to honor Indigenous peoples.
- The movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day has gained momentum in recent years. As of 2023, over 130 state and local governments have officially recognized Indigenous Peoples' Day.
- Proponents of Indigenous Peoples' Day argue that Columbus Day celebrates a figure who is responsible for the genocide and enslavement of Indigenous peoples. They argue that it is insensitive and harmful to continue to celebrate Columbus Day in light of this history.
Revised Research Question
Based on the evidence, my revised research question is:
How can the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day be used as a vehicle for preserving and recognizing the many Native American cultures?
This research question focuses on the cultural perspective of the movement, rather than the political perspective. It is also more specific than my original research question, which was too broad.
Support for Revised Research Question
The evidence from my primary and secondary sources supports my revised research question. For example, in an article published in the journal American Quarterly, scholars David A. Chang and Jean O'Brien write that the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day is an opportunity to "reconstruct the nation's historical narrative" and to "center Indigenous perspectives on the American past." They argue that the movement can help to "preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages, cultures, and traditions."
Another source, a report published by the National Congress of American Indians, states that Indigenous Peoples' Day is an opportunity to "celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Native Americans and to educate the public about the contributions that Native Americans have made to our country."
Conclusion
I am confident that my revised research question is supported by the evidence from my primary and secondary sources. I believe that the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day has the potential to be a powerful tool for preserving and recognizing the many Native American cultures.
2000-Word Essay
In addition to the above, I would like to expand on my research question in a 2000-word essay. In the essay, I would explore the following topics:
- The history of the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day
- The cultural significance of Indigenous Peoples' Day for Native Americans
- The ways in which Indigenous Peoples' Day can be used to preserve and recognize Native American cultures
- The challenges and opportunities associated with the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day
I would also include specific examples and quotes from my sources to support my claims.
I believe that this essay would be a valuable contribution to the scholarship on Native American cultures and the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. It would also be a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and the general public who are interested in learning more about this important topic.
Sample Answer
One historical perspective that could be applied to the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day is the colonial paradigm. This paradigm views history through the lens of European colonization of the Americas and its impact on Indigenous peoples. It emphasizes the violence, displacement, and cultural assimilation that Indigenous peoples have experienced as a result of colonization.
From a colonial paradigm perspective, the movement to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day is seen as a way to challenge the Eurocentric narrative of American history and to recognize the contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples. It is also seen as a way to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges that Indigenous peoples face today.