Christopher Columbus is a celebrated national holiday because he was an explorer who sailed the ocean and “discovered” the Americas. Originally, Columbus was in search for a trade route to the Indies. Instead, he came across a whole new world known as the Americas. As a result of this, Columbus spread Western Ideals throughout the world which resulted in opening new doors for Europe. Europeans would soon flock to the Americas in search of a new life and was also a safe haven for others to practice their religion. Although this may have welcomed new opportunities for Europeans, this would eventually mark an end for the Indigenous People. The Spanish colonists who followed in Christopher Columbus’ journey treated the Indians as animals. This
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Columbus’ enslavement in the Caribbean introduced efficient labor to the people of Europe. Eventually, the colonists would need a steady supply of slaves so they turned to Africa. America stands for the social equality and freedom of human rights. Slavery stands on the belief of social inequality and the suppression of human rights. In the United States, there are two holidays dedicated to two historical figures. As Weatherford puts it, “In January, we commemorate the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., who struggled to lift the blinders of racial prejudice and to cut the remaining bonds of slavery in America. In October, we honor Christopher Columbus, who opened the Atlantic slave trade and launched one of the greatest waves of genocide known in history” (Weatherford) We honor Christopher Columbus, the man who started the Atlantic slave trade, yet at the same time, we honor Martin Luther King Jr. who finally broke the chains of racial prejudice that all started with …show more content…
Columbus’ genocide of millions, and his hunger for wealth, glory, and power at the cost of his morality are far from praisable. Columbus’ “achievements” of discovering America and proving that the world is round have also proved to be invalid, uncovering more evidence as to why he should not be praised. Columbus Day should not be a time for celebration as such an event should be instead mourned. Many would say that we should not judge Columbus with the standards of today’s society. We should not look to the past and judge from their perspective. We need to look from our standards today and use our newfound sense of morality. Few people have the honor of having a national holiday named after them, not only is it immoral to celebrate Columbus day, but it is also disrespectful to many others who have made great contributions to our society. We need to stop feeding lies to the children of tomorrow about the myths of Christopher Columbus. Columbus should instead be known for his wrongdoings against humanity and rightly
Columbus’ enslavement in the Caribbean introduced efficient labor to the people of Europe. Eventually, the colonists would need a steady supply of slaves so they turned to Africa. America stands for the social equality and freedom of human rights. Slavery stands on the belief of social inequality and the suppression of human rights. In the United States, there are two holidays dedicated to two historical figures. As Weatherford puts it, “In January, we commemorate the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., who struggled to lift the blinders of racial prejudice and to cut the remaining bonds of slavery in America. In October, we honor Christopher Columbus, who opened the Atlantic slave trade and launched one of the greatest waves of genocide known in history” (Weatherford) We honor Christopher Columbus, the man who started the Atlantic slave trade, yet at the same time, we honor Martin Luther King Jr. who finally broke the chains of racial prejudice that all started with …show more content…
Columbus’ genocide of millions, and his hunger for wealth, glory, and power at the cost of his morality are far from praisable. Columbus’ “achievements” of discovering America and proving that the world is round have also proved to be invalid, uncovering more evidence as to why he should not be praised. Columbus Day should not be a time for celebration as such an event should be instead mourned. Many would say that we should not judge Columbus with the standards of today’s society. We should not look to the past and judge from their perspective. We need to look from our standards today and use our newfound sense of morality. Few people have the honor of having a national holiday named after them, not only is it immoral to celebrate Columbus day, but it is also disrespectful to many others who have made great contributions to our society. We need to stop feeding lies to the children of tomorrow about the myths of Christopher Columbus. Columbus should instead be known for his wrongdoings against humanity and rightly