Invasion Of America Analysis

As the topic states, the article ‘Was America discovered or invaded?’ by Enrique Dussel, is based on the controversial discussion of whether Columbus discovered or invaded America. There are two different views of Columbus, which include; a European explorer who discovered a completely new world (West Indies), and a European invasion/intrusion that brought slavery, disease, and death to the Native Americans. In order for one to make an unbiased and accurate judgment, a definition of both ‘invade’ and ‘discover’ is essential. To invade is to enter another country without permission for the purpose of conquering and occupying it. Dussel describes an intrusion as an uninvited, violent entry without permission. On the other hand, to discover can …show more content…
The natives viewed the coming of the Europeans as oppression, slavery, and death. Hence, the two views of discovery and invasion. According to historical facts on record, one can argue that Columbus discovered, rather than invaded America. In his perspective, he went to America for the first time trying to find a quicker route to India. On arrival, Columbus was welcomed by people described to show hospitality to strangers by offering valuables and gifts to them. He studied and gained knowledge of their cultures and way of life for the first time. This is a perfect supporting example of the definition of discovering, as the natives didn’t feel invaded at the time. However, this can also be interpreted differently, to show that the natives offered the gifts and valuables as a show of fear.
The view of discovery is supported by the European ego of conquistador, missionary or merchant. According to the Europeans, the natives were not enlightened as they were due to their different ways of life, which included idolatry, devilish ceremonies, and sacrifices. In the Europeans’ perspective, the previous lives, history and culture of the natives had no consequence. Therefore, the natives acquired meaning only when they entered the world of the Europeans. In the first place, the monarch of Spain supported the missions of Columbus to the West Indies with an aim of spreading …show more content…
They view Columbus as a hero who discovered America. Currently, Columbus Day is celebrated in America in honor of the man who discovered the great nation. However, most of the individuals who take part in the celebrations are the descendants of settlers from Europe, who came shortly after Columbus. The belief surrounding this holiday is mostly fueled by their racial backgrounds, the media, books, and family. In contrast to this, descendants of the Native Americans view the holiday as the day of “Indigenous Resistance”. Several concerns have been raised on the significant of the holiday and the picture the country portrays towards the native people. According to (@@@), it comes as an insult when Columbus is mentioned as a hero. This call for a need to educate the current and future generations on the actual history, otherwise, lies will be passed down to the future