Columbus Blog #8

Upon Columbus' arrival in the New World, a truth that would ultimately lead to the prosperity of numerous world powers for centuries to come, was paralleled by the demise of the unsuspecting Arawak Indians. The vast atrocities committed by this early explorer, a truth often overshadowed by the celebration which is placed upon his accomplishments, exemplifies the essence of human nature in regards to history. Now, there are multiple opinions on this rather controversial issue; either we, as individuals of a nation who celebrates a national holiday in the name of this nation's "founder,"are far too half-hearted when it comes to punishing those who made developments for this country or we, once again, just feel as though the atrocities committed in the name of progress were necessary, a reoccurring reality which has plagued history since its initial documentation. Despite the reality that the world as we know it would be vastly transformed from the one witnessed today without Columbus' contributions, is that enough justification to permit the praise of such a villainous being? I cannot and will not submit myself to such uninformed conclusions. For, although many often view this historical figure as a discoverer and a founder of this sovereign nation primarily out of their neglect for the truth, I desire to erect for all to see the facts regarding the life fulfilled by this man. According to Zinn, Columbus and all of his deeds were equivalent to that of Pizarro and Cortez, for, through his own internal greed for gold and kleos, forever glorifying himself in history books, this man enslaved and killed entire Native American populations. In the name of God he conducted these treacherous acts, setting this precedent for all explorers of this new frontier to do the same. Ultimately, reality set in for Columbus; his ambitions and imaginations of locating vast gold reserves for the benefit of his European brethren had failed and soon he turned to a new source of riches for his nation. This new source, obtained through loading his ships with kidnapped Indians proved to be inefficient as many of them died on the way back to Europe through disease and mistreatment. Again, in a desperate and pleading attempt to find the gold, he made orders for the natives to follow. He ordered them, as his slaves, to locate the gold in return for the payment of copper trinkets, in turn freeing them from the harsh punishment of losing a hand for their disobedience. However, when little gains were made and the punishments proved far too harsh to endure, many of the natives fled inward where they were often killed by the Spanish seaman and their dogs. If these truths do not solidify this highly exalted individual as anything other than a villain, a man so possessed by greed that he was willing to commit actions of malice and ignorance towards a native population, it is then that I will truly fear for mans judgment of character.