Earl today in class it was discussed if the reading on slavery affirmed or contradicted what we have learned to this point. There is an old saying that goes there are three sides to every story, your side, my side, and the correct side. My personal opinion is that slavery was a terrible practice, but if you look at it logically it may not be as bad as history portrays it. The best way to look at it is this; owners had to pay significant amounts to buy slaves. The last thing any owner wants is to terminate ownership against one's will. Thus, in order to maintain ownership of property that is worthwhile the owner must ensure that slaves are treated well enough to yield a profit. It is not to say that some slaves were treated poorly, but some had to be treated well enough to make sure that they would be able to produce the outcome that was desired. (AGAIN I DON'T DO NOT BELIEVE SLAVERY IS ACCEPTABLE)
This week Columbus Day was discussed in which I feel I was severely out numbered. However, my opinion remains the same. I think what is important to understand that we are not celebrating the demise of the indigenous culture. Instead we are celebrating western exploration. I understand this is a sour topic for many, but why would people who immigrated to a country which turned out to be the most powerful in the world not celebrate the man who enabled their migration. By celebrating "his" discovery we are only celebrating a new opportunity for Europeans that came to America.
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I am in your camp. I believe that Columbus Day is celebrated because of the spirit behind the idea of exploration and the fact that ideal is what has made America great (of which I believe strongly). Again, any historical event can be disected until some politically incorrect or negative aspect is found. Yes, Colubus was not the "first" person in North America nor the first explorer to venture here (Vikings). However, he did risk death for something he strongly believed in which is something to be commended. Also, to blame him for all of the mistreatment of indigenous people and wrongdoings that would happen in the future is ridiculous.
It's cool with me if you like Christopher Columbus. But if your saying he is not to blame?
It's history, that he was told to set sail, and that he 'mis-navigated'his way here. On his 2nd visit to the 'New World' he inslaved and killed the Arawak people. Columbus started the slave trade in the Americas.
www.commondreams.org/views04/1011-27.htm
Sad story. This information was not "dissected".It was found pretty easily. He is the 'pre-cursor' to the mistreatment and death of many indigenous people.
Quinton said, "we celebrating Western exploration." The way I look at it is..Western Exploration go hand and hand with the Native American.
Because what ultimately happened?
Yeah...the line is certainly grey, and perhaps he is not "wholly responsible," but it's not like he's innocent either. Columbus subjugated natives unlike the previous visitors, and pretty much began this whole exploitation of natives culture--he established a pretty terrible precedent (it's not like his exploitation was less severe than has been pointed out...it was, in a manner of speaking, genocide). So, his name even remaining in the discussion is entirely of political and religious means. You think the Old World would credit a Viking for this kind of thing?
You got a good point, he was a messenger, and although he brought a hell of a message, Columbus Day can be celebrated in the context of the birth of a new nation, ultimately, the strongest in the world.
So Quinton, you're looking at the economical aspects of slavery. Certainly slave owners were interested in productivity and slave breeding to maintain a slave labor force without always having to buy new slaves. What do you think this adds to the discussion of slavery?
In response to Sean's comment: it is important to remember that Columbus came to America looking for a western water route to India to hopefully provide for cheaper trading between Europe and Asia. So are we commending Columbus for "what he believed in?" Or do we project a different motivation for his voyage on the Columbus legacy?
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