Every year on October 12th, Americans enjoy a relaxing day off of work and school all thanks to a famed Italian man who sailed for spain, Christopher Columbus, whose sailing of the ocean blue in 1492 resulted in the discovery of our vast continent. The majority of Americans celebrate Columbus Day in remembrance of Columbus's finding of America, his greatest achievement. However, most tend to forget his unthinkable characteristics that truly entitle him as a villain. For instance, he demonstrated an utter misunderstanding of the globe by believing that he had landed in the East Indies when in reality he was in the Caribbean. It seems impractical that a so called "expert navigator and sailor" could make such a catastrophic mistake. Because of his belief that he was in the East Indies, he falsely referred to Native Americans as Indians, an incorrect terminology which still commonly exists today. Furthermore, Columbus committed unthinkable crimes amongst the Native peoples who resided in his conquered lands. He oversaw the slaughtering as well as sale of the Natives into slavery, a system which he knew was brutal and inhumane, yet continue to do anyway for the wealth that it brought him. A so called "man of faith" exhibited all but religious values in his dealing with the newly discovered land. Some sources go as far as claiming that Columbus also raped and tortured native women. Others state that Columbus falls under the same category as Hernando Cortes and Francisco Pizarro, notorious Spanish conquistadors who exploited the Natives in hopes to acquire their gold. Columbus is so similarly related to the infamous conquistadors as he also permitted the harsh, treatment of Natives, all out of interest of wealth and greed. He is classified as one of the many contributors to the Native American genocide, in which thousands were killed during the age of discovery. When the topic of genocide comes up, most people think immediately of the holocaust and Hitler's murdering of 6 million Jews, a well-known, and downright horrific event. According to American Indian activist, Russell Means, "Columbus makes Hitler look like a juvenile delinquent." The following statement puts into perspective the scale to which Columbus committed atrocities amongst Natives. Sure Columbus can be credited with discovering a new world full of potential. But as you enjoy your day off, ask yourself this: Should Americans really celebrate, honor, and praise a cruel, vile man with so little moral values?
No comments:
Post a Comment