Comments on: The “Discovery” of America?

By: Ron

Ron — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:58:57 +0000

I think the facts included in your essay definately prove your points. Obviously, the whole subject is very complicated on many levels and can be distorted to prove or disprove whatever an ‘expert’ wants to say, but the facts have a funny way of hitting you like a brick wall.

The history of the Americas is fascinating, and certainly pre-dates the ‘discovery’ of the continent by Columbus and other explorers. I hope more people listen and learn about the history of the land in which they live.

By: Evanne

Evanne — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:05:29 +0000

I say reclaim it! Columbus Day deserves to be observed as a day to talk about these things, to specifically give some thought to the impact of one invading culture on another, to learn the true history of the First Nations (that’s what Canadians call “American Indians”, I am much more comfortable with that label, personally, as the descendant of oppressive white folks…), to take actions to preserve the unique cultural practices of those peoples as well. I think it’s fascinating that so many “modern” problems are solved or at least more thoroughly addressed by “uncivilized” or “primitive” solutions from First Nation cultures.

Also, I know a certain cabby, Mr. Cash, in the Bahamas, who would totally have your back on this. Columbus was teh suck.

By: Mary

Mary — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:22:46 +0000

Perhaps some drops of native American blood course through this white woman’s veins, because I have long felt the glamorization of Spanish and English conquest a gross injustice. Today, people frown on Islamic cries of “Jihad!” and some quake at the mere thought. Most don’t do enough personal research to discover most Muslims condone only non-violent jihad. Tell me what, if not jihad, were the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, the Salem Witch Hunts?

Even in our own time, during the 20th century, Japan sought to increase its empire by bloody takeovers. Suddenly what “we” had done to others was wrong. Today, it’s wrong -it’s terrorism when people of other cultures try to impose their beliefs on “us” yet “we” did it only 500 years ago.

People may argue that slavery does not exist in the 21st century, and I won’t open that can of worms, but I do highly encourage those who believe it can’t or does not happen to watch “Trade” starring Kevin Kline or talk to a member of Zonta. Human trafficking does exist and slavery exists on many levels throughout the world. As long as there is human greed, there will be slavery.

I like the way you took your essay point-by-point. A doctorate does not make a person intelligent. It merely means he or she has passed the required courses with a high enough grade to get the degree. Granted, many people will not stick with their education long enough to even attend the extra courses required – but how many people have also been awarded honorary doctorates based on years of service in a field. These honorary degrees may be awarded to people with no prior connection with a particular institution. For example, Nelson Mandela has received over 100 such honorariums, but that is an extreme example.

Okay, my rant ends here!
Mary

By: Jack

Jack — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:01:55 +0000

Well written, Nanu. You might want to check out a book called 1491 by Charles Mann.