Most history books paint a very pretty picture of ‘the discovery’ of the Americas by Cristoforo Colombo, or Christopher Columbus as he was known here in America. Colombo was from Genoa, Italy, however his trip was financed by the King and Queen of Spain. History books fail to tell the whole truth about his expedition and ‘discovery’. They fail to tell how the generous and kind indigenous peoples welcomed him when he arrived. How he mistook their generosity and kindness for naiveness and so his crimes against the indigenous began. Colombus was driven by greed, wealth, and his desire to please the King and Queen of Spain. He enslaved and massacred many indigenous peoples to attain this. There are actual written accounts by his translators that describe the atrocities and massacres. But, none of this is in the history books.
Why?
History is riddled with many accounts such as this, and many of our textbooks are written and based on ‘half-truths’. Do, reconsider Columbus Day. Thanks Jennita for posting this video.
I agree. It is amazing how the story becomes twisted. We need to be careful of the source of the information as so much changes depending on whose eyes the story is told through. Thanks for commenting. I visited the websites as well. Lots of very eye opening information. Blessings and happy Thanksgiving. I am giving thanks to all the indigenous peoples who were so kind to my European ancestors helping them to settle and survive the harsh climate. We are forever indebted.
Blessings and happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well Jenn. I too give thanks to my indigenous ancestors, for my ancestory is of spanish, french and indigenous descent. Yes, we are forever indebted.
Hmmm…an interesting thing to consider. I don’t know enough about Columbus and his treatment of the indigenous people to make an educated decision. However, the concept of celebrating an “Indigenous Peoples Day” is indeed a very worthy idea.
I learned a lot about how the accounts were inaccurate when I took aboriginal Studies. Often, the story that makes it into the History books is skewed. It’s important to remember whose story is actually being told and from what perspective. It’s an interesting topic. Opens up lots of discussion, that’s for sure. Literacy plays a huge role in the shift of power. Through the ages, the ability to communicate has given voice to certain groups. I think this issue is a play here. Perhaps some editing and revision of those History books is certainly in order.
So true Jenn! This is an interesting topic, with many different angles of discussion. As you noted, literacy has always played a huge role in the shift of power. History was written and told from the perspective of the persons who held the power to communicate, and of course, they wrote or altered history how they saw fit. It’s true not only in this case, but in many different moments in history of mankind. ‘Indigenous Peoples Day’ is an awesome idea!!
Hmmm…didn’t know Berkeley already adopted this idea, Coralina. Thanks for the info. That’s great!
Most history books paint a very pretty picture of ‘the discovery’ of the Americas by Cristoforo Colombo, or Christopher Columbus as he was known here in America. Colombo was from Genoa, Italy, however his trip was financed by the King and Queen of Spain. History books fail to tell the whole truth about his expedition and ‘discovery’. They fail to tell how the generous and kind indigenous peoples welcomed him when he arrived. How he mistook their generosity and kindness for naiveness and so his crimes against the indigenous began. Colombus was driven by greed, wealth, and his desire to please the King and Queen of Spain. He enslaved and massacred many indigenous peoples to attain this. There are actual written accounts by his translators that describe the atrocities and massacres. But, none of this is in the history books.
Why?
History is riddled with many accounts such as this, and many of our textbooks are written and based on ‘half-truths’. Do, reconsider Columbus Day. Thanks Jennita for posting this video.
I agree. It is amazing how the story becomes twisted. We need to be careful of the source of the information as so much changes depending on whose eyes the story is told through. Thanks for commenting. I visited the websites as well. Lots of very eye opening information. Blessings and happy Thanksgiving. I am giving thanks to all the indigenous peoples who were so kind to my European ancestors helping them to settle and survive the harsh climate. We are forever indebted.
Blessings and happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well Jenn. I too give thanks to my indigenous ancestors, for my ancestory is of spanish, french and indigenous descent. Yes, we are forever indebted.
Hmmm…an interesting thing to consider. I don’t know enough about Columbus and his treatment of the indigenous people to make an educated decision. However, the concept of celebrating an “Indigenous Peoples Day” is indeed a very worthy idea.
I learned a lot about how the accounts were inaccurate when I took aboriginal Studies. Often, the story that makes it into the History books is skewed. It’s important to remember whose story is actually being told and from what perspective. It’s an interesting topic. Opens up lots of discussion, that’s for sure. Literacy plays a huge role in the shift of power. Through the ages, the ability to communicate has given voice to certain groups. I think this issue is a play here. Perhaps some editing and revision of those History books is certainly in order.
“However, the concept of celebrating an “Indigenous Peoples Day” is indeed a very worthy idea.”
The city of Berkeley, California has replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day since 1992 according to Wikipedia ~ I found that interesting!
So true Jenn! This is an interesting topic, with many different angles of discussion. As you noted, literacy has always played a huge role in the shift of power. History was written and told from the perspective of the persons who held the power to communicate, and of course, they wrote or altered history how they saw fit. It’s true not only in this case, but in many different moments in history of mankind. ‘Indigenous Peoples Day’ is an awesome idea!!
Hmmm…didn’t know Berkeley already adopted this idea, Coralina. Thanks for the info. That’s great!