Blog #2 - Historical Context - The Building of "America"

4/6/2015

"History is the memory of states," Henry Kissinger

Read the first two chapters of Howard Zinn. Respond to prompts of the questions below and end your original post with a critical thinking question for a classmate to respond to. A critical thinking question is an open ended question that relates to the reading, what you were taught before about the topic, and potentially how the issue you are asking about can change in the future. Conclude your blog with a question that makes your respondent think. Your critical thinking question should not be a yes or no question.

Readings
1. Columbus, The Indians, and Human Progress
2. Drawing the Color Line

Questions (answer at least one of the prompts below)

What is “People’s” history, and how does it differ from the traditional telling of history?
How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?
Are there any parts of the chapter you’d like to talk about which were particularly meaningful or interesting to you?

Requirements for BLOG POSTS

You must write 250 words each post (due Wednesday @ Midnight), Responses to another student - 50 words each (due @ Friday midnight)
Students must post during the week the blog is assigned or it will not be graded.

84 Comments

Kassandra Mariscal

4/7/2015 08:49:31 am

How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?

We usually think of Columbus as the person who found America first. It gives a false notion that America was empty before the arrival of Columbus.
When I was younger I would have never thought how violent he actually was. In elementary when kids learn about columbus, he is described as a hero and as someone who deserves respect. It wasn't until recently that I realized he is someone that does not really deserve respect. He is not a person that deserves a day of celebration. The Native Americans need more recognition, not Columbus. The day Columbus arrived is the day the lives, tradition and everything else would begin to go downhill for the Native Americans. I was disgusted to read in details what actually happened and how it happened. I knew it was bad… but it was a reality check for me that it was much more than bad. I respect the Native Americans 100%. There is a passage in bold in the article that was from Powhatan to John Smith that made me wonder. It made me wonder that if the white men weren't so greedy and asked for what they wanted with peace and love instead of jealousy and war, would history be different? It made me wonder what the fate of Native Americans would be.
Zinns version of the story of Columbus differs from the traditional account because it is described as it actually was. No sugar-coating or adjusting. I honestly think greed and recognition motivated Columbus. The money and recognition he would receive is what motivated him to go as far as he and every one of his men went.

Kasey S

4/7/2015 11:49:12 am

Hey Kassandra, I completely agree with you. I feel like I've been lied to growing up. He was always seen as this hero that found America and little did we know he found America but what did he do to retrieve America? Kill the Natives that resided there and enslave them. I, like yourself, never knew about this horrible truth to Columbus and his ways. I felt disgusted and filled with confusion knowing that this is the type of lies that we feed into the minds of children. And I agree with you when you say that greed and recognition is what motivated Columbus because that's all he was after. For instance in Zinn's version when he talked about how, if someone seen an island first they'd receive an award, and some other sailor seen the island first but Columbus claimed that he seen the island the night before talking about he seen a light or something like that. Then he claimed the reward for himself as if he wasn't going to be receiving any other riches. So it just goes to show that Columbus was really selfish and greedy and really just full of himself. Which makes him a horrible person. I really liked you answer.

Diana Llamas

4/8/2015 04:15:10 am

Hello Kassandra, I totally agree with you. I never thought Columbus was this violent man until I started to read this article. I can agree with you that he shouldn't be celebrated for killing so many people. It’s crazy on how all this happen because of gold his actions toward these people .He was a very selfish man and for that a lot of people lost their lives.

Rocio Soto

4/9/2015 01:37:04 pm

Kassandra,
Your post is perfect. I don't think it could be said better by anyone else. I totally agree with you and think that Columbus shouldn't be celebrated. He was definitely not the hero he set himself off to be. But I also wonder how could he have been able to get away with his massacre, MORALLY. Wasn't the Hierarchy on Spain supposed to be respected and honest? What I am most curious about is why they did not stop Columbus. Could the greed have been THAT major that they didn't even care? This, to me is just mind-boggling. How his troops and his whole movement actually got away with it. I wonder if that is what it has came to now. Just in the form of police brutality.

Kasey S

4/7/2015 11:43:53 am

How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?

As I was reading Zinn's version, my thoughts of Columbus slowly crumbled. Columbus was always seen as a person that founded our land and being a hero in many eyes. The fact that we celebrated him made him seem that much more important. But to actually hear the behind the scenes kind of stuff about him really upsets me that we celebrate a day to honor this murderer. We give so much praise to someone we know so little about. We choose to put him on a calendar because we believe what "history" has been telling us the whole time. And it's messed up because at a young age this is what you learn, you learn to acknowledge this man is the person that created our land.

In the original stories Columbus crossed the sea to find Asia but instead found America. And in Zinn's version, Columbus killed many Native Americans/ Arawaks and enslaved them. That's when their population declined and became non-existent. The Native Americans disappeared because of Columbus.

I think what motivated Columbus' actions would be greed. Columbus wanted wealth and power. And in order to get to that wealth and power he needed to use the Native Americans. He used them until they couldn't be used no more. The way that they treated him, with the hospitality and generosity and for him to go and take advantage of that was the worse of it all. Columbus is a really horrible person and not many know of this fact. I won't ever look at him the same way again.

Zander S

4/7/2015 12:25:35 pm

Kasey,
I fully agree with your opinion. As I read along the chapters, my view of Columbus crumbled as it did with you. It is sad to see that some of our childhood memories are not really as pleasant as we believe them to be. I am bothered that such a person could be honored and really do not understand why the myth was created. I guess it could be that knowledge was missing that later came to light but then I must wonder why is it that Columbus is still being taught in school as the hero.

Valarie H.

4/9/2015 09:37:22 am

As students we are taught things that we thought it was right way. So after reading what Zinn wrote, it made me realize that it's true. Not all things that we've been told is true. I couldn't agree more with your discussion Kasey. After reading about the behind the scenes, we've just been lied to. We celebrate a day for a murderer that we all once thought is a honorable man.

Tionne Johnson

4/9/2015 01:00:57 pm

This is so true that we learn to respect and honor this man Christopher Colombus all of our lives and yet he's responsible for so much violence and wrongdoing. In school we often don't get the perspective of the oppressed. We usually get the perspective of the "default person" if I am using professor Crain's words correctly.

Alexander "zander" Smead

4/7/2015 12:19:38 pm

“In fourteen hundred ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” This is the beginning of a poem that almost every child learns in elementary school. As children, we learn the nice version of this story about how Columbus found America and everything was great as they traded items and that he was a hero. We learn and study stories about his infamous ships, The Nina, The Pinta and the Santa Maria. Sadly this story isn't entirely true and Columbus isn't the amazing person that we are told he is. According to Zinn’s version things are a lot different then what we are taught as children. It turns out that Columbus actually played a major part in the extinction of an entire race of people along with the rape, murder and sexual abuse of another race of people while pillaging most of the Caribbean. We later learn that those ships didn't just carry great explorers to a new land, they were used to transport slaves and gold. I believe that the greed of fame and fortune motivated Columbus to do all the horrible things that he did. I feel this was demonstrated in many areas including the case when Columbus took credit in seeing land the night before Rodrigo and winning the money that was not rightfully his. Personally I feel that as a child I was deceived by being taught a piece of history that is not true. Growing up learning about a hero only to later learn he was a villain is very disheartening.

Marisa Lerma

4/7/2015 02:26:10 pm

Zander, I completely agree with you. I feel deceived finding out that a person we all thought was a hero, who has their own day of celebration, is actually a murderer. I agree that fame and fortune played a huge role into Columbus' motives and that he was only looking out for himself. When I read about the part of Rodrigo I thought, wow Columbus is such a jerk for stealing the prize away from Rodrigo; but that is just another example of how greedy he was.

Luis Lockhart

4/10/2015 06:05:38 am

Hey Zander, I feel the same way. It’s tough feeling that everything is right in the world and later on in life the rose colored glasses come off and you see so many bad things. Reading this made me feel disgusted that Columbus has his own holiday. I honestly wish that people would teach history more truthfully. Give him credit for starting the voyage but let people know what he did and how he was really like. Even if you gloss over the bad at least don’t portray him as a hero.

Tanee A.

4/13/2015 05:09:00 am

I agree with you 100% I think that it is amazing how society makes people in our history seem so great but they are truly in fact the opposite. They way that children are taught to look at people makes us ignorant to the situations that are going on in the workd today. If you keep believing what people tell you, you will never learn the real truth about any situation happening in life.

Candice D.

4/7/2015 12:30:07 pm

We usually think of Christopher Columbus as an honorable and courageous explorer for the "discovery" of the land of America. " He knew that the world was round and he could sail west in order to get to the Far East" ( Howard Zinn). He was confident and motivated to find a westward route to Asia to look for a faster trade route to Asia to make transportation easier and more profitable. In addition, he was motivated to find gold. I believe that was his big motivation because it was expected of him from Spain. " He had persuaded the king and queen of Spain to finance an expedition to the lands, the wealth, he expected would be on the other side of the Atlantic- the Indies and Asia, gold and spices" ( Howard Zinn). If he was able to come back with gold and spices, " they promised Columbus 10 percent of the profits, governorship over new-found lands, and the fame that would go with a new title: Admiral of the Ocean Sea" ( Howard Zinn).

In regards to Zinn's version of the story of Columbus, it greatly differs from the traditional story of his endeavor. Howard Zinn describes Columbus' acts as murder and brutality toward the Indians. Columbu stumbled upon the Arawak Indians as he approached land. "This was to have enormous consequences: it led Columbus to take some of them aboard ship as prisoners because he insisted that they guide him to the source of gold" (Howard Zinn). Columbus was desperate to find gold with the help of his slaves. Unfortunately, " the only gold around was bits of dust garnered from the streams. So they fled, were hunted down with dogs, and were killed" (Howard Zinn). Columbus tortured and implemented brutal crimes towards the Indians because of his desperation to get gold. He saw Indians as "servants" to do whatever he wanted them to do, and not as living individuals with souls. Since he did not get what he wanted, he did not care about the well-being of the Indians.

Question: The traditional story of Christopher Columbus is relatively known. Why is it not made known of his cruel and brutal treatment of the Indians, but instead viewed as an intelligent and courageous person? Why does America still honor his name as a national holiday?

Luis Lockhart

4/10/2015 06:14:19 am

Hi Candice. To answer your question, the reason we don’t hear about it is because to historians (and whoever Americans are responsible), even though he committed these acts, if it wasn’t for Columbus doing this we wouldn’t be here today. America wouldn’t exist. They compare the action to bombing Hiroshima to stop WWII. I guess some people believe the end justifies the means. That’s how Howard Zinn described it. Also, some people like to forget and hide all the bad things we have done in history. I think it’s horrible though and even if they give credit to Columbus for “discovering America” they should NOT make him out to be a hero.

Marisa Lerma

4/7/2015 02:17:41 pm

How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?

When we hear or talk about Christopher Columbus it is usually a form of praise and saying that he was a hero and how great he is. But after reading Zinn’s version I am totally shocked. I never knew this about Columbus and I am disgusted. The fact that there is a day celebrated after him is unbelievable. Giving Columbus a day of celebration makes us believe that his is extremely important and worthy of such a gift, when in reality are celebrating a man who “found” the Americas resulted in complete genocide. When we were younger and learning about him in school, these events were never brought up, we were taught to remember him as such a great guy and a hero. The original stories of Columbus were that he sailed away and was the first to find the Americas, when in reality, according to Zinn, Columbus killed the Native Americans that were living there first. I think greed motivated Columbus’ actions. He wanted all of the glory to go to him and he wouldn't let anything or anyone stop him. He wanted everything, Zinn says that Columbus was going to receive, “10 percent of the profits, governorship over new-found lands, and the fame that would go with a new title: Admiral of the Ocean Sea.” He used the Native Americans to gain his fame and the Natives paid the ultimate price, death. There was nothing the Natives could have done and Columbus used that to his advantage. I wonder, if the fame and the fortune weren't given to Columbus as a reward, if he would discover America and not receive any sort of prize; would he have gone through all of these great lengths of capturing and killing the Natives to create a new world?

Candice D.

4/7/2015 03:26:16 pm

Marisa,

Great post! I can not agree with you more on your opinion regarding the information that Howard Zinn presented in the article. I also grew up believing that Christopher Columbus was a courageous and honorable man for "discovering" America. In elementary school, they taught me that he was the one that discovered America, but it was the Native Americans. They never mentioned any information regarding Columbus ' horrific and brutal treatment toward the Indians. He did all this because he was eager to find gold to please the rulers of Spain. He wanted some of the profit and recognition to his name. All this is definitely a learning experience for me. To answer your question, if Columbus was not given any reward, I still believe that he would have gone great lengths of capturing and killing the Natives because from the story that Zinn presented, he seems like a selfish individual overall. He will do anything and everything to get his way and make a name for himself, whether or not he was given anything in return. I still do not understand why there is a national holiday in honoring his name. After reading this article, I just do not see the importance or relevance of the holiday. Do you have any ideas to why that is?

Marisa Lerma

4/12/2015 03:49:42 pm

Candice,
That is so true, after reading Zinn's article Columbus seemed like a really selfish person. To answer your question I am not really sure as to why we still celebrate him. Maybe because without him and his "discovery" we might not be where we are today, I guess it is a way of honoring him introducing America. Even though the natives were the ones to discover it first, I don't think they would have made it into what it is today, if that makes sense.

Sujla McKinney

4/7/2015 06:32:39 pm

“Peoples” history is exactly what it says, the history of people. It’s the history of people told in the viewpoint of the people involved in the major events that occurred to make our history. In elementary, middle school and high school we are told the story of Christopher Columbus. Little did we know is that there was a lot more to the story of Columbus sailing to the “new world” then we knew. Yes, we all know he in fact was extremely wrong and far off his calculation of where Asia was and that seems to be the only “mistake” Columbus made. A simple miscalculation and misunderstanding lead to the discovery of new, unknown land. This new land was not so new to a group of individuals of men, women and children, the Arawak’s. The Arawak’s were Indians living on an island off the Caribbean who lived solely off their natural land. The traditional books actually mislead us as to what really happened when Columbus “discovered” this land. He in fact was filled with uncontrollable greed, selfishness, and his drive was but all concerned about two things, gold and slaves. Rather than greeting these unarmed human beings as friendly neighbors. Is that who we want to represent in a U.S holiday on our findings of America? Above all, was Christopher Columbus’s actions of complete genocide of the Arawaks worth anything at all? The parts that was most interesting to me was that the Indians were fighting against each other rather than focusing their energy on the Englishmen. I don’t understand why that is but they did. I also want to know what would happen if say the Indians fought back. What do ya’ll think?

Zach Frenette link

4/8/2015 01:22:42 pm

Well firstly, the Indians did fight back and got totally killed. But If you're talking about a collective effort against the colonists as opposed to a divided one-- I still think they would have been zapped either way.

There's always talk around Columbus day of taking it off the calendar because he was an abysmal human being. Some say we should celebrate it by breaking into strangers houses and eating their food.

Diana Llamas

4/8/2015 04:02:31 am

How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?
While reading the article “A people’s history of the United states” by Howard Zinn I realized that what we learned in middle school is totally different to what we thought. We saw him as a hero someone who was respected for finding America. I never thought Columbus was a violent man. When he said that he took the natives by forces I began to think why such a violent person just to find gold? It’s upsetting that we honor a man who killed so many natives and prisoners. I think Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account because since he was so desperate to find all this gold that in reality wasn't so much many of the natives died because of him. They were kept prisoners because of him. I think the actions of Columbus were motivated by just finding this gold. He was desperate to find it that he would treat these natives like slaves or such as servants. He used these natives in so many ways he did not care for them he just wanted what he wanted and if it wasn't for them he wouldn't have been there. Overall, I did not expect that we were honoring Columbus for his cruelty to the natives he does not deserve our respect for killing so many people.

Lesley C.

4/8/2015 04:22:23 am

I agree with you completely. Learning that Columbus is a hero from a young age to now knowing the truth about him is shocking to many people. The story about Columbus should have never been sugar coated.If it wasn't for him being greedy about the gold and trying to find it all. I don't think any of this would have happened. All Columbus had on his mind was gold and he did not care who he hurt along the way. I believe he shouldn't have a day of celebration because that day isn't celebrating anything but just celebrating him for all the killings he did.

Lesley C.

4/8/2015 04:15:32 am

How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?

Ever since we were little and started elementary school, we were taught that Columbus was a hero and that he should be appraise. That his day of celebration should be a good one because he is supposedly the one who found our land. But, in reality that is just a cover up to show us something that he isn't. Zinn’s version shows us the real Columbus, he doesn't sugar coat anything. Zinn lets us know what Columbus really did, which is become a killer. He killed thousands of Indians, for what land, some gold and for slaves. What Columbus did is wrong and it is wrong for young children to be taught the wrong version of Columbus. Instead they should be taught more about the real Columbus and what he did to all the Native Americans. I wasn't surprise because I been friends with Native Americans and they are always talking about how they were the first to find the land, and if it wasn't for the white man then there wouldn't have been no genocides. I believe the Natives need more recognition because what they went through was not okay and Columbus shouldn't be getting no celebration because what he did was beyond wrong. I think what motivated Columbus was greed and wanting to please all the people who invested in him to find land, and find lots of gold. But he also shouldn't have made what he found bigger than what it was and for that reason he had to stick to his word and get the King his gold and slaves. For him sticking to his word, many Native Americans had to die for it. If Columbus would have been honest from the beginning and was not receiving and sort of prize for his findings, do you think that he still would have done what he did or no?

Quincey W

4/8/2015 04:48:19 am

Lesley C

I also have friends that are Native Americans and they always tell me they found the land first. I would always tell them their lying but after reading Zinn's version, I do believe now. If Columbus would have told the truth and not killed innocent Indians, he would be a real hero instead of a fake. Like you stated above, we were giving the sugar coated version of who Columbus was. Native Americans do need more recognition.

Rocio Soto

4/9/2015 02:53:34 pm

Honestly, I think Christopher Columbus was pressured by the Spaniard government but then on top of that he put himself out there for them to notice him. He had to expose himself as a great adventure seeker that he was. Except he wanted riches, gold and fame. At the beginning he might've done it looking to expand but toward the end he was causing more harm and pain than good. I am disgusted from what I had to read, it is very sad to me. How can we be thankful to someone who made more damage than made good. Great we are in American thanks to him? I don't think i'll ever say that. More like Thanks to the Indians that had to suffer and live through hell just for us to have our America. Pretty selfish on our part.

Quincey W

4/8/2015 04:25:44 am

How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?

Before reading this, I was given the Impression that Columbus was a hero for discovering America. It makes it seems as if before Columbus, America was a big empty hole.

Growing up, I thought Columbus was a loving man and never even thought he could be violent. After reading the chapter, I have no respect for Columbus and it's sad that he has a day in the year dedicated to him. In my opinion , the Native Americans deserve more credit. They struggled just like black people and I never even knew. To me, when Columbus came, he ruined everything as far as tradition and the rights of human beings. He made the lives of Native Americans a living hell. I feel like this whole time I was giving false information on who Columbus really was. I was highly upset to read the truth and how everything unfolded. I have now the upmost respect for Native Americans. For me,I only thought that African Americans had it rough and never knew that Native Americans were also treated poorly.

Zinns version of the story of Columbus is completely different from what I learned in the past. It seems like Zinn’s version is real nitty gritty and let's us know the truth rather than lie and try and cover it up like they teach us in school. In my opinion, Columbus wanted power so that's what motivated him to do the terrible things he has done. Columbus killed Native Americans and treated them as slaves. Columbus used them do everything he needed and when he felt like he didn't need them, he killed them. It crazy because growing up, I was taught the complete opposite now every time I hear the name Christopher Columbus, I'm not going to have nothing nice to say.

Kimberly Lopez

4/8/2015 05:48:26 am

While reading this article I couldn’t help but to compare it to what I have learned about how African Americans were treated in the States as well with what we are taught in school about the Jews. It seems to me for whatever reason the history and hardships of the Native Americans has always been hidden. I agree with you when you say growing up we learned nothing but the good things he did and how iconic he was. In addition, I do not understand why such a man was rewarded with such fame for finding America; we are made to think he found an “empty land” because he very well cleared it out.

Breanna F.

4/8/2015 05:41:07 am

There are always two sides to every story. It is important to remember that when discussing historical occurrences. However, what if one side of the story speaks of nothing but peace and friendship? The only time the other side of the story is sought out is when there is evidence of opposition. “People’s history” is infamous for always accepting the first side of the story because the stories we are taught leave us without any further questions. I am guilty of only accepting one side of the story. When our professor made the comment about not celebrating Thanksgiving on the first day of class, I was caught off guard. I could hear the disposition in her voice, but because I was unaware of the Arawarks’ point of view, I couldn’t share the same passion. After reading the first chapter, I am appalled but more than that, I’m disgusted. I’m disgusted because I’m faced with the fact that a holiday I have celebrated all my life is not based on hospitality, community, and thankfulness. It is not a holiday that should be celebrated at all. Pain, suffering, abandonment, disrespect, and selfishness are the only emotions that were expressed on the day we have celebrated for years. Columbus in my eyes, is a coward. He’s a coward because after the Indians welcomed him to their land with open arms and everything they had to offer, he did not reciprocate the comradeship. Instead, he took advantage of their innocence and he used them to benefit his well-being. Instead of being honest from the beginning and letting the nobility know that there wasn’t the amount of gold they had hoped for, he scrambled to find what he promised and he didn’t care who he hurt along the way. Greed is an important factor in this moment of history. We like to think that we treat people the way we want to be treated, but that’s not the case. We treat people accordingly to the profit in which we can make off of them. I am disappointed, but I’m also left with more curiosity. I want to know about the people without a voice, because those are the ones who have the right messages. We have enough people like Columbus in the world, using people in order to climb up the ladder.

Jesika Lee

4/10/2015 04:11:53 pm

Breanna,
I completely agree with you about greed and how it is an important factor in history, in general. I feel like greed and the desire for power rots the human core and Columbus is a prime example of that. It is seen throughout history and we can see how the corruption of power can allow horrible things to happen in history. I think that by sugarcoating historical facts, we are allowing these mistakes to happen again because as we all know, "history repeats itself." If we are taught the mistakes made in history, then chances are we can learn from our mistakes and not repeat them.

Jesika Lee

4/8/2015 05:58:09 am

What is “People’s” history, and how does it differ from the traditional telling of history?

The traditional telling of history is usually what we call the "hero's narrative," which means that we get the sanitized, clean version of the truth. Not only that, but "we" are made to look like the hero because "we" omit parts of the truth or twist things so that they are in "our" favor. This is the case for Christopher Columbus. Growing up as children we learn that Columbus discovered America with his three ships en route to what he thought was Asia. We praise him for discovering the land and have even given him a day (Columbus Day) in which we consider a "holiday." On the contrary, Columbus has done many horrendous things to the Natives and Zinn points these things out. He also goes on to say that "My point is not to grieve for the victims and denounce the executioners. Those tears, that anger, cast into the past, deplete our moral energy for the present. And the lines are not always clear. In the long run, the oppressor is also a victim. In the short run (and so far, human history has consisted only of short runs), the victims, themselves desperate and tainted with the culture that oppresses them, turn on other victims" (Zinn). Essentially Zinn sees that there are two sides to every story and he wants to reveal the truth or to get as close to the truth as possible. Also by displaying both sides/perspectives, Zinn shows how complex the issues really are. For example, Zinn mentions the diversity of opinion of the English settlers on the Indians. The settlers were frustrated because they felt that they were more technologically advanced than the Indians, but the Indians were thriving off the land, when the settlers couldn't. Also, they have always thought the Indians were savages and heathens, so here they are succeeding at something the settlers couldn't. Some settlers even went to join Native American tribes because they didn't want to starve to death. It brings up an interesting topic of how the settlers felt in comparison to the Native Americans, obviously we see the settlers with their noses in the air. It is interesting to note that the settlers join tribes, but I am almost certain that it was because they were threatened with the notion of death. I am taking a "Masterworks of American Literature" class where we are reading pieces about Native Americans and their interactions with the English settlers. A lot of the pieces paint the Native Americans as savages and heathens, but in an excerpt of The Last of the Mohicans,
we can see that the settlers are just as savage as the Native Americans and the interesting/complex relationship between one of the settlers (Natty Bumppo) and a Native American (Chingachgook).

Jesika Lee

4/8/2015 06:04:15 am

Whoops! Forgot to include a critical thinking question.
How has learning the truth changed your perspective on how you view Christopher Columbus? Is he painted as an evil man? More human as opposed to heroic?

Kimberly Lopez

4/8/2015 06:44:23 am

“A People’s History of the United States” written by Howard Zinn, is a book justifying the non-victors tale. We go to school for about 10 + years of our lives engraving how glorious our history is and how we must have pride in our beloved America; however, we do not ever go over the story of the captured and killed. Zinn does a great job at giving the reader insight of history we have not been exposed to in school. He really doesn’t seem to have a censored screen on the topics. Back in elementary school I remember how exciting it was celebrating Columbus Day, we had the day off, did arts and crafts and learned about how America was discovered; I’ve truly lived ever school year excited about that day off. However, now I cannot understand how such a person is celebrated across our country; it is almost like celebrating Hitler or Cortez. Zinn does not focus on how magnificent of a person he was for finding America but he focuses on how he treated the Native Americans. I also realized we call Native Americans, “Indians”, only because at first Columbus set out to reach India. Our history knowledge has been very ignorant to the Native Americans and I do not understand why? I feel like Columbus wanted to be looked upon as a King after returning from his venture and the thought of fame and riches really twisted his mind in awful ways and in return made his do some cruel, cruel things. The parts that interested me the most were the passages from "Las Casas" and how a young priest could be so powerless against what was going on and if the priests actually tried helping the Native Americans like the few White people that helped cross over African Americans.
Question: Native American’s had certain “privileges” of keeping the very few land they still have today. However, why after all the cruelty done to them do we seem to ignore their history? It is almost as if they never received any form of recognition after their extreme hardships.

Sujla McKinney

4/10/2015 04:12:54 pm

I don’t believe we completely ignore their history. I think we are just not telling their history correctly. We all know the Natives had this land first but yet fail to explain why or how this land all of a sudden became ours. America chose to teach us about Columbus day and celebrate this day off which in fact made us all look stupid celebrating this day with arts and crafts when we should have been learning and expressing to the world that day what Columbus really did on his many voyages. I completely agree with you that are we all ignorant to believe such and thing and learned as we grew up that it’s the complete opposite.

Inderpuneet

4/8/2015 08:53:59 am

In every history class I took starting from elementary, I was taught that Columbus was the one who discovered the lands of America. We teach kids that Columbus is an honorable and noble man, who set his mind to find America. But after reading Zinn’s chapter and revealing the truth about Columbus, and that whatever he did was all for gold and since he couldn’t find any gold like he thought he would, he decided to make the Native Americans slaves. I was taught that Native Americans were forced off of their land but I did not know that Columbus was the one to make them slaves. In the chapter, Columbus wrote how the Native Americans were so giving and they had a simple way of living (Zinn), it made me think that we as Americans have always just taken, we have created our foundation by taking the homes of these Native Americans, making them slaves because they were inferior to us. Columbus was motivated by gold and the honor that he was going to receive. Zinn shows us the true side of the history, he shows us that the person we idealize, was actually greedy for wealth and fame, which led to many innocent Native Americans to die. After revealing all the truth about him, why do people still give him so much credit? And why do we still have a holiday celebrating his “victory”?

Juanisha Elder

4/8/2015 12:39:39 pm

Inderpuneet,
I definitely understand and agree with you on every aspect of being brain-washed by who Columbus really is. You asked a couple of good questions that many of us now would like to know. I think he still gets so much credit because nobody really knows the real Columbus and what his real actions where (fraud). If Americans all over knew what he did I believe that the government would be forced to remove the celebrations of his "victory."

Valarie H.

4/8/2015 09:42:23 am

Usually students are talked about things and we believe it would be facts because we think that they have done their research. But now that it’s much easier to research things ourselves, we know the real truth.

After reading Zinn’s story, my thought about Columbus changed completely. I was thought that he was an honorable and noble person. He went on a voyage to find lands of America and throughout the process of it, he wasn’t the person that we all thought he was. A murderer. My thought about him was tragic but then had the conquest to find gold. However to get there he used people to get where he is. According to Zinn, Columbus used Native Americans and took over their “land”. He ultimately thought that he had to power to do so because of the king and his words. Both Native Americans and African Americans, I believe had it hard. Both had to go through slavery and being murdered. Although that African Americans was murdered because of hatred, it’s both wrongful to kill another person because of who and what they do and what they are. I just can’t think of Christopher Columbus the same anymore because of everything that he’s done to get to where he is. I’ve been thinking about what would happen if the Native Americans had fought back or “protested” just like what the African Americans had done. Maybe things would have been different for the Native Americans and Columbus. What are your feelings about this thought and do you think that bother African Americans and Native Americans are similar?

Indepuneet Shergill

4/10/2015 04:32:47 pm

think you brought a great question up Valarie, I think the Native Americans couldn’t speak up and protest because the lack of support and knowledge. I honestly feel that due to the different time frames, the Native Americans didn’t have enough support. The Native Americans lived by themselves, with their own rules and society, so when they saw these people they thought they were here to help. But what really bothers me is that, we American have always kept people slaved.

Juanisha Elder

4/8/2015 12:33:12 pm

• What is “People’s” history, and how does it differ from the traditional telling of history?
• How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?

“People’s” History is a like a non-biased encyclopedia of American history. Written by Howard Zin Chapter 1, “Columbus, The Indians and Human Progress”, was a huge eye opener to everything everyone knows. Almost all of the stories we have learned in school regarding Columbus and what he has done are false or have been hidden. Just like our Blog#1 the capitalist control what we know, they are able to hide what they don’t want to be seen so they can look better. Based on Chapter 1 of Howard Zin’s article you learn that Columbus was not as much of a saint as we thought he was. In school you learned the traditional telling of C. Columbus, how he discovered America and practically gold yet you find out he was a thief, murderer, and greedy. I believe what motivated many of Columbus actions was pure greed being that he was a merchant’s clerk he wanted to take advantage of whatever he could to become ultimately a capitalist. Zin explained how Spain promised Columbus 10% of the profits, governor of land, fame, and more. He was promised all these things and he was unable to deliver his portion for the “reward” I think he came up with his “back-up” plan. The backup plan included being greedy and finding a way for him to be famous one way or another. After reading “People’s” history I definitely have a new look on Columbus instead of viewing him as a discoverer of gold, I see him as a person of greed. Ultimately Columbus let money, control, and fame get the best of him so he can get to where he is now.

Zachary Frenette link

4/8/2015 01:13:42 pm

What is “People’s” history, and how does it differ from the traditional telling of history?

My understanding of the People's history is that it isn't told from the victors angle as opposed to telling the half truth (the awful things not included). The traditional telling of the story seems to be more tangible and realistic because it incorporates the entirety. The whole truth. Halving the story to look prettier in hindsight sounds more like traditional story telling. Another aspect these socially transmitted tales that wasn't covered in much detail is how information is lost. Like a game of telephone where middle-schoolers whisper some message into each others ear and it's passed around until it reaches the last person-- and then it's a totally different story.

How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?

Like most people's actions-- Columbus was motivated by money and paying off his debts. The traditional image of Columbus is one painted in vibrant details of great conquests and colorful discovery. When in reality the only color we need to depict Columbus' escapades is blood-red. Zinn's retelling of Columbus' tale is more realistic and holistically accepting of the truth.

Are there any parts of the chapter you’d like to talk about which were particularly meaningful or interesting to you?

I enjoyed learning more about the Native ways of life prior to the arrival of the colonists. There was a simplicity there in the face of complexity. And when it came to winter, it was that simple way of living that saved them and killed the colonists. I found it interesting that in order to feel superior, the colonists killed them because of their knowledge of the land. I also enjoyed the psychological reasoning of those actions being connected to the advent of slavery.

Breanna F.

4/10/2015 09:07:30 am

Hey Zachary!
I really liked your comparison to the game telephone. I picked up on the same idea. There is so much information that isn't covered because the people who witnessed it or endured it are gone. And the things that happened weren't always talked about.
To answer one of your questions, I think what motivated Columbus was pride and greed. He was greedy because he wanted to find gold so he could go back to Spain and be rewarded. I think his pride played a huge part in his actions as well because he could've been up front about the mission and told the kings and queens that there wasn't the amount of gold they had hoped for. Instead, he punished the Arawarks for not providing the unrealistic amount he promised. If he wasn't so prideful, so many lives could have been saved.

Jocelyn Chavez

4/8/2015 01:51:05 pm

What is “People’s” history, and how does it differ from the traditional telling of history?
Peoples history is more realistic and actually tells you the truth about what actually happen detail by detail. Traditional history makes you believe what they want you to believe. For example when I was in elementary school I remember they made us think Christopher Columbus discovered America and he was a hero. Never did they mention how violent he was and if I would of known the actual history, he doesn't even deserve a national holiday. Although I had already heard that the history we learn in elementary school is not the real history, but I never actually took the time to check what history was wrong. By just reading Zinn's version it was really an eye opener to me. It's crazy how the government brain washes you from such a young age and makes you believe what they want.
How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?
What we usually think of Columbus is he was a hero, discovered America and everything was rainbows and butterflies. In reality he killed all the Indians and mistreated them until he couldn't no more. He made them disappear and it makes sense because there's not that many native Americans now a days, it's hard to find one. I have recently heard as well that if your Native American they get free housing and the government gives them money monthly just for being Native American. I don't know if it's true or not, but if it is why does the government give them money as if they are trying to say sorry. Zinn's version differs from the traditional accountant because they actually tell you what kind of monster Columbus was. What motivated Columbus was power and greed he wanted to be known.
Are there any parts of the chapter you’d like to talk about which were particularly meaningful or interesting to you?
Why does the government teach us since elementary school, lies? Why do they want us to believe that? Why do we still honor him till this day?

Maryjoyce Pascual

4/8/2015 02:01:46 pm

When we learn about Christopher Columbus in grade school, we are initially taught that he is the founder of our country, America. With that said, we only see him one way; with praise. As we grow older and we discover the truth out for ourselves, essentially, we still see him as this amazing person who “accidentally” found our country on his way to finding Asia, but we also realize that he was brutal and ruthless. Zinn’s version crucially explains how Columbus and his crew took full advantage of the Arawak men and women who showed them nothing but hospitality and continued to exaggerate the “truths” to his majesties in Spain. It is safe to say that Columbus’ motivations for him to commit such cruelties were fear and greed. Fear in the sense that if he always came back empty handed, he would be first be made a laughingstock then executed and greed in a sense he would claim everything for himself rather than ten percent which what was initially agreed if he found a sea route to Asia. By those motives instilled within him, he used the Arawak tribe as guinea pigs to do his dirty work for him and always giving them impossible tasks because there was neither any gold or spices to be found. With all the pressure of debts increasing, Columbus’ cruelty grew, mercilessly killing any prisoner who showed up with no gold at all. In our day and age, the world we live in, and the way we are governed, is it possible that those who execute power, may sometimes execute power the way Columbus has to the Arawak tribe; with complete brutality and force, leaving the rest of us with n choice but to be submissive?

amal pujol

4/10/2015 05:00:24 pm

Hi Maryjoyce,
I never really considered that there may have been an aspect of fear in Columbus's motives for the way he treated the Indians. I can see how that could have generated the actions he displayed. I do feel that the majority if his behavior was greed and a lack of compassion for other races. It was easy to kill those that they did not see as the same species as themselves.

Nathaniel Mani

4/8/2015 02:03:06 pm

How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?
Kids in school are getting fabricated lessons and make Columbus look like a hero rather than a murderer. The way we see Columbus or have been taught in grade school, that he was a mercenary from Spain. He went on a trip with his crew members to find land and spices and accidentally stumbled upon America that is the typical story of him. He was the first one to discover America and we should all be thankful for his great work. Even though Natives Americans were living on the before him. Zinn’s version of the story goes in more depth of the entire situation. I never knew that Columbus had promised the kings that he would bring back gold or the fact that his men had enslaved Native Americans and kill them. What was sad to read was the fact the Spanish tested the sharpness of their blade by slices parts off Native Americans. Columbus took Native Americas kindness as his advantage because according to the article they just could not say no the Spanish. With a little knowledge from my history class not only the Spanish brought in smallpox but they also brought other diseases with them also that the natives were unaware of and eventually wiping out almost of their tribe members also. The thing that motivated Columbus had to be gold. During that time gold was becoming more popular and if you had gold you could buy anything. So Columbus got so greedy over gold that he did anything and everything to get his hands on it. He had also told the king that he would come back to the country with gold and spices so he had to live up to his word and not show up empty handed. I believe it was fame also that he wanted also. The question I have is: what if Native Americans knew the value of gold and what it meant to the Spanish, would they have tried to bargain with the Spanish or fight to preserve it in their land?

Vicky M.

4/10/2015 04:02:34 pm

Hello Nathaniel,

I really liked your introduction, it was a great way to catch the readers attention. It is true that everyone is taught the same story about Christopher Columbus, however we are not taught the real story. Just like you, I agree that Columbus and his men took advantage of the Native Americans and their nobleness. The Native Americans were not greedy or mean people which is why I believe the Spanish were able to step over their land.
To answer your question, to my understanding indigenous people were all noble, shared and traded with one another. If they were to have known about the gold and what it meant to the Spanish they would have probably wanted to trade with them, but because the Spanish were greedy they would have probably taken it from them and giving nothing but chaos in return.

Rocio Soto

4/8/2015 02:22:43 pm

“People’s” history is extraordinarily different. It exposes the massacre and literal Genocide that actually happened in Columbus’ voyage. It is extremely different from what we think we know because this shows you the cost of this movement. It tells you the cold truth and how much the Indians paid for it, because they are the ones who were murdered, enslaved and taken advantage of. In the story of Columbus I was taught that he discovered the Americas, but how can you discover something that is already inhabited. He was a real scam. The story told in Zinn’s first chapter is what actually happened. Columbus is a fraud who used God and holly right unrightfully. He is usually perceived as the brave seaman who discovered the United States, but in reality he only started the movement to wipe out the Indians who lived in this land. In Zinn’s version of events, Columbus is the stingy a-hole who wanted money. Land. Gold. What a greedy bastard. I wonder how he slept at night. Honestly, Zinn’s version speaks about the real events. He speaks the cold truth. That Is something that people will never accept, nor acknowledge. Columbus was an airhead who was motivated by wealth and riches. He sounds conceited and full of himself. I’d like to know if the United States government thinks this is okay. I was not ready to read this sad truth. I don’t think anyone will ever be ready to accept it. What I really want to know is how military men kept this secret. How was it that Columbus was never exposed back in Spain? Or was it that no one really cared.

Gloria Olea-Bailon

4/8/2015 02:40:29 pm

During school as students we were brought up to think as Columbus as a hero. As an elementary student learning about history I never fully understood what exactly was the glory of Columbus, but rather than that he had discovered America. Although, Zinn's version of the story is completely different from the traditional story line. One thing that is different is how in Zinn's version he discusses how their was a mass murder more like a genocide. In Zinn's version I also came to find how Columbus and his victims (the Arawaks) were heroes because they were also being attacked by the islanders. This article also explains how one can't judge what Columbus did, but rather try to understand because at the end of the his country Spain was suffering since many had invested in the other trips he's taken. Also mentioned in the article was how Columbus has also promised to bring back gold since it would make up for the slaves they'd lost in the past days or so. On the other hand it was never mentioned in the traditional story it was never mentioned how Columbus was going to land and land and enslaving the islanders for this country's own well being.
I think Columbus actions were motivated by greed just like when Rodrigo discovered the Bahamas and when in reality Columbus said he was the one who did. Therefore, I'm not surprised he wanted the glory when discovering America. At the same time, Columbus did it for the sake of his country, but Why was his strategy making a genocide from land to land in order to come back home with lots of gold ?

nathaniel mani

4/9/2015 12:36:01 am

Hello Gloria, well written post. Yes, it is true when we were in grad school Columbus was seen as this massive hero that discovered the lands. I had to idea that he was trying to commit genocide in a way. it was all very shocking to me. Zinns article was very helpful and i do agree on the fact that greed drove him to commit all these acts. If gold wasn't popular during his time he would been happy with the land he discovered and who knows maybe there wouldn't have been that much deaths. i dont think that his strategy was to commit genocide from land to land rather he grew frustrated not finding the gold he expected to find or the natives weren't giving up the gold.

Karina Vences

4/10/2015 04:59:09 am

Well written piece Gloria. While reading through posts I thought that both of our thoughts on the two articles were similar. It’s interesting to learn about one thing in school from history books and then later learning otherwise. Money, power, and greed can drive people to do many things – and not always positive things.

Sierra MacIntyre

4/10/2015 04:48:20 pm

Hi Gloria.
Its very interesting how society has morphed Columbus's story to portray him as such a wonderful person when in fact he was so terrible. It makes me wonder what else in history i haven't truly learned. I agree with your statement when you said you weren't surprised Columbus wanted glory for discovering america. I felt the exact same way.

Ryan Tayahua

4/8/2015 02:44:09 pm

I was in kindergarten when I first learned about Christopher Columbus. On Columbus Day, my teacher told us about the heroic sailor who crossed the ocean and founded America. At the end of the story our teacher handed out pineapple for the entire class because this was found in the new land and only royalty at the time can eat it. Growing up I thought of Christopher Columbus as a hero and felt obliged to remember him on his famous holiday. As I grew older and began to read more, I found out how truly horrible he was. Also, by the reading we were just assigned, found out of his monstrous actions . Not only did he find American by accident he didn’t even give his shipmate the yearly pension of 10,000 maravedis he promised anyone who found land first. Furthermore I found it very interesting that the Arawak people were so generous when they first met Columbus they shared almost everything with him. But Columbus and his party took this as a weakness and created a completed genocide of these people, killing and enslaving these “savages”. Ironically, the people who were so kind and generous are being called savages while those who killed these people for power and pleasure are “civilized”. Columbus was the leader of an ambitious expedition to find Spain a new land of riches. If he succeeded he would gain “10 percent of the profits, governorship over new-found lands, and the fame that would go with a new title: Admiral of the Ocean Sea” (Zinn). It was Columbus’ greed and ambition, which ultimately led to the demise and genocide of the Arawak people.

Ashley De La Paz

4/10/2015 02:07:34 pm

The feeling is mutual, it seems like the younger we are the less they want us to know about what really happened. While I was growing up, I learned so much of how many stories are told only half way, and Christopher Columbus is a great example of how we only teach certain things to a certain limit.

jocelyn chavez

4/10/2015 03:19:05 pm

I totally agree with your response and how when we were young they forced us to believe Christopher Columbus was a true hero. We had to celebrate his actions and there was a national holiday because of him. It's sad that until now I actually find out that he was a horrible person that he worked his way up for power by killing or "disappearing" all the Indians. He just wanted power and fame I believe and he made it happen. Like I mention before why do we still allow the government to celebrate someones birthday that did no good to us. If when we do learn about the truth why do we still allow it to happen?

Sierra MacIntyre

4/10/2015 04:45:03 pm

Hi Ryan
Isn't it so crazy how we were so young and naive in kindergarten. The saddest part it, i'm pretty sure i would have still believed he was a great person if i haven't taken this class and my history class. Its interesting how one single mans greed lead to the genocide. I think we have the same view point on the topic for sure.

Jada witherspoon

4/8/2015 02:57:09 pm

What is “People’s” history, and how does it differ from the traditional telling of history?

People's history greatly differs from the history that we are typically taught throughout our time in school school as being victors tale. A tale of how our country went from being settled by a few protestants trying to escape religious persecution, had fought and clawed (against all odds) it's way across north america to become the world super power that is is today. The most famous people or important people in our countries history had been the economic elite who had a large influence on out countries laws and policies.However rarely were events in our history told from the perspective of the common man or minority. We learn about how Columbus mistakenly found the Americas which led to greater exploration in the western world, but rarely do we fully learn about the experiences/perspectives of the people that his discoveries greatly affected namely the Native Americans. For example in the past history may have been taught to only explain how events in the past may have effected the Caucasian male in that particular time period but people of color and women may not have been included in that narrative. Peoples history in my opinion is history re explained through the perspective of all people not just the wealthy Caucasian elite.

Are there any parts of the chapter you’d like to talk about which were particularly meaningful or interesting to you?
One particular part of the second chapter that i found extremely interesting was that when European travelers went to explore Africa they were impressed with the African civilizations at the time which were "organized and stable" and another segments states that "The inhabitants of the Guinea Coast were described by one traveler around 1680 as "very civil and good-natured people, easy to be dealt with". This is completely different from the widespread belief that when the Europeans went to Africa they were nothing but uncivilized savages, who needed to be saved from themselves.

Jada Witherspoon

4/8/2015 03:29:02 pm

Question
Since there are so many examples of history in the past being told from only one perspective/half truth. Do you think that if information had been told from a peoples perspective originally instead of with the current narrative, it would have had an effect on the opinions and beliefs of those in the past and those living now but may not know any new perspectives? In what ways could those possibly changed opinions have affected society?

Sierra MacIntyre

4/8/2015 03:11:01 pm

• How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?
We usually think of Columbus as a great hero. He discovered new land and helped people settle into new places. He is always depicted as a great person. He sounds like a pretty standup guy right? In reality however his actions were cruel and not heroic. American History has done a great job of keeping his true actions under the radar. In reality Columbus pushed his ideologies and traditions onto a group of people who wanted nothing to do with it. Zinn seemed to tell the side of history that isn’t as popular. This once great hero was now a monster. I was learning about this in my history class only a few days ago. Its scary imagine what our world would have been like if he hadn’t slaughtered all those Indians. What I found the most interesting was when Zinn said, “Genocide is not a technical necessity but an ideological choice”. So he didn’t need to slaughter millions of Indians but rather chose to do it based on differenced and his self-proclaimed authority. The Indians were initially kind and welcoming to Columbus. They probably never expected that something to horrible would happen to them. It seems that historians are great at making we are never seen as the bad guys. Now that I’m older it’s crazy to hear how history really happened. The saddest part is, we teach our children to idolize people like him.

Britney Yarbrough

4/8/2015 03:58:32 pm

Hey Sierra,
I agree with your response to the reading. When you mentioned that "genocide is not a technical necessity but an ideological choice" Columbus had no motive but greed to kill and it was nothing but a choice. I'll never understand why he killed thousands of people who wanted nothing but to welcome him into their already established lives. Hopefully the future generation will learn about both sides of the story versus just the "good" side of it.

Shelbie Higginson

4/10/2015 04:48:05 pm

Hi Sierra,
I totally agree with your post regarding the way in which Columbus is portrayed by Zinn. History classes in America generally teach students that Columbus was an honorable hero, and Zinn says the exact opposite. I find it really interesting that you pointed out the fact that he didn’t actually need to slaughter millions of Indians but instead choose to do it based on his differences and feeling he had authority over them.

amal pujol

4/8/2015 03:21:27 pm

People’s history is one of slavery, brutality, greed, pain, and genocide. It was out of all these that Western civilization was born and these were the same qualities that laid the foundation for capitalism. Imperialism was and remains a missions for wealth and resources even though its true desires are often hidden under the mission of civilization. For example Columbus is often hailed as a hero for his great discovery of the new world and wealth but when we read Zinn’s account we see that he was a ruthless explorer in search of wealth. He even stole from a sailor on his crew who was the first to spot the area of Hispaniola but Columbus lied so he could keep the bonus. He also lied to the King about finding gold and took advantage of the Arawak Indians who lived on the land. When he could not fulfill his promise of gold he attempted to make it up with slavery. He and his men ravaged the land and murdered the Indians almost wiping out the entire tribe. I believe his actions were motivated by greed and the desire for status and power since he was promised a distinguish position upon return. The actual story of the Arawak and Hispaniola is very meaningful to me because my husband is from Dominican Republic and his mother is a descendant of the Taino Indians that belong to the Arawak tribe. He told me how the people from his town hold Columbus to be a hero despite all the horrors that their ancestors dealt with at his hands. Why do oppressed people often hail their oppressors to high regards despite the wrongs and oppositions they endured in the past

Karina Vences

4/8/2015 03:27:59 pm

Usually when someone hears of Columbus they automatically think of him founding our land. The reason why this is such a common and traditional story is because it is what it was taught to us. Not to mention that there is a national Columbus Day to “celebrate him.” Many people do not know the “real truth” behind the told story – along with me prior to reading these two readings. It is interesting to think that as kids we read otherwise in our history books not knowing the entire truth. Columbus was involved in the deaths and the dehumanization of a lot of Native American’s and those who were initially established in the land. Zinn’s version of the story was very enlightening and was nothing similar to the traditional or “well-known” story everyone knows off. He was not so much the founder of our land but the founder of dehumanization to an entire race. What seems to have “motivated” Columbus’ actions was finding gold. It’s interesting to hear about another well-known person (whom still comes up as references even after many decades) that was such a “leader” but not so much for positive reasons. *Not to go off topic* but while reading these two articles I could not help but think of Hitler. Many people followed Columbus like they followed Hitler and the one common thing that was driving both of them was either power or money. In my opinion, these are the versions of historical events that should be in history books as opposed to those corny “super hero” ones. Seems like people are supposedly becoming educated but later come to learn otherwise.

Erika Briseno

4/9/2015 04:16:22 pm

Hi Karina,

I totally agree with your response and liked the word you used a couple times in your paragraph: dehumanization. It is true that Columbus came to this land to lead a massacre with Native Americans. Also, I think our opinions are the same regarding the education system because we were taught the well known story about Columbus but not the real one. And finally, the connection between Columbus and Hitler that you made was excellent because these men's actions were made by their interest for either money or power.

Alicia L

4/8/2015 03:40:20 pm

The “Peoples History" is history told by the perspective of oppressed. As a child and adolescent, I’ve been taught history in the perspective of the imperialist, capitalistic aggressor. For example, I was taught that Columbus discovered America, and was some sort of hero because of it. He was reverend as a brave courageous hero who discovered America, and even had a special holiday to honor him. Growing up, I was taught that taking over America was justifiable, because the land was empty and hardly occupied.
However, what I was being taught in school contradicted what I was being taught at home. Both my parents are Mexican Indian, and Spanish. They always educated me about our history and where I was from.
The idea that America was empty is false, and was populated by many indigenous people who ultimately got wiped out because of disease. Zinn’s version of history is far more realistic and tragic than what I was taught in school.
Columbus motives were purely selfish, and all about money. He was a definite capitalist, and capitalism is not humane. He is the bases of what are whole society is based on, which is money and greed. Those in power have no interest in anything else but profit. Human value comes second to profit when it comes to capitalism, and Columbus is proof of that.
I think it’s wrong how we are brainwashed as little kids to believe and uphold certain perspectives and values. We should be taught different perspectives of history so we can think for ourselves and choose what to believe.

Britney Yarbrough

4/8/2015 03:41:44 pm

Blog Post # 2
Those who were taught about Christopher Columbus view him as a hero and an exceptionally well trained navigator who discovered parts of this world outside of what it is anyone during that time knew existed. We also know him as the man who found other beings other than those of European decent in which at the time being European was the only decent accepted. Columbus as well as everyone else within this time period were very naive to the surrounding world and the beings besides themselves that inhabited it because that is all they knew. Zenn’s version differs from different accounts because he does not in any way set aside the mass genocide prompted by Columbus. He explains the horrific events in as much detail as possible but does not necessarily say Columbus was a horrible being, because saying so is unnecessary to the overall purpose which is to inform the audience about the other side of the story not to downplay the oppressor because it is already clear the oppressor is wrong. He explains what it is that needs to be explained for a deeper understanding of what actually took place rather than dismissing the truth as other accounts often do. Different accounts do not accept that mutilation, murder, rape, captivation and deprivation that took place and those who dismiss those events intentionally without verbally saying agree with the oppressor. What motivated Columbus’ actions were greed and debt. Those of whom he took captive and killed in many ways were open to the Europeans and willing to share and care for them. With the warm welcome they received reciprocations should have been the outcome. Columbus without knowing how much or how to attain the gold he promised caused him to misuse his power for his own benefit. What do you think about other accounts and their dismissal of the facts because they do not feel as they are any necessity to the story of Columbus.

Shelbie

4/8/2015 04:00:58 pm

Through learning about Columbus in history classes throughout my early education, I viewed him as this great, brave man who found America and help pioneer us to the great country we have today. I saw him as this amazing traveler who just happened to come across America and make an empty land into a country. I was never taught to view him as anything other than a brave, loving, helpful man that we should all admire. Although we learned about the horrible things that Columbus and his men did to the Native American’s living there, it was always brushed over and had little emphasis. The little details of the horrors that happened were never discussed. Zinn’s version is completely different. Zinn gives all of the details, no matter how disturbing they are. He describes Columbus as a murderer, and a man who would go to any length to achieve all of his wants. Zinn’s version doesn’t brush over anything. It tells the details of exactly what Columbus did to the Native people, and truly shows Columbus’ real intentions and how everything actually happened. I knew that Columbus had killed Native Americans, but I was unaware of how and to what extent that was. It saddens me after reading this to find out that we celebrate the day of a man we view as a hero, who is actually a violent murderer. He stopped at nothing to gain money and power. My question is, why are students still taught that Columbus is a hero? So many know that this is not true, but students are still not taught the facts. If history repeats itself, don’t we want the next generation to be educated in order to avoid another similar situation?

Jose Fernandez

4/10/2015 01:31:01 pm

Columbus is revered as a hero because we often associate his discovery of the Americas as the most crucial part of our nation’s history. When we are taught our nation’s history we are taught to look at the early discoveries made by Christopher Columbus. Given that the reality of our history is paved in blood, I can see where parts of our history remain undisclosed. This is a major assessment of how the Spanish came to power and yet we choose to ignore these realities because it makes up a tragic part of our identity. I also believe that Columbus fails to be seen as an otherwise morally corrupt individual because we lack the hindsight of natives in the telling of this story. Victors, winners, or conquerors tell these stories through their own perspective while limiting opportunities of other accounts.

alicia

6/14/2015 05:29:37 pm

I agree, it is sad learning what happened to the indigenous people of the Americas. You asked why kids are still being taught the perception of Columbus being a hero. I think part of it is to maintain the status quo. Our government does not like to look bad nonetheless teach our youth negative things about our government. Teaching about Columbus in a positive light helps maintain nationalism.

Jose Fernandez

4/8/2015 04:13:51 pm

The People’s History is the telling of the mass genocide that occurred as a result of European expansion. The textbook or traditional telling of the story gives an exposition of the victors who found fortune and accolade from discovering new land. The victors are seen as heroes where the indigenous people are often seen as savages saved from their own lack of understanding and ignorance. We are presented with the idea that the victors brought enlightenment and great philosophical strives to the “New World” and its people.
We usually think of Christopher Columbus as the great explorer. In an attempt to meet greater negotiations with Asia, Columbus discovered the Americas by accident. From then, Christopher Columbus was renowned in textbooks everywhere for this new and triumphant discovery that would forever change the face of the world. And that is where it typically ends in regards to the miraculous discovery. However, what we often lack is the full telling of the story by which indigenous people were plagued by Spaniards and invading entities from the Eastern part of the world. Their story is told with great hesitation because unfortunately what was left of their story was quickly wiped away. Zinn presents a version of the story that accounts the mass causalities and horrific tactics imposed by the explorers. They were mistreated and held to no regards in negotiations with the right of their land.
I believe that we conceptualize the accidental discovery more so than the initial reason for sailing across the ocean. If we highlight that Columbus had traveled the seas for considerably selfish reason, like exploiting markets in Asia, we can make the same notions about the happenings in the Western part of the world. Columbus was motivated by greed, because greed was a main reason for the massacre of Natives. If we choose to disclose the entire history in our formal education we give ourselves a comprehensive look at our nation’s history.

Could the retelling of our nation’s history result in negative repercussions in respects to one’s patriotism?

Luis Julian Cardenas

4/8/2015 05:01:21 pm

I don’t think it would have any repercussions, and if it did it would probably minimal. First off, rewriting the Nation’s history is a tough task to pull off, and if actually done, it would probably be dug deep inside a textbook. “Manifest Destiny”, during the 19th century fueled western settlement, started a war with Mexico and genocides of Native Americans. Yet there is no emphasis on the genocides or on the invasion of Mexico. People would still feel Patriotic, since their success and prosperity heavily relies on radical actions. What do you say?

P.S. I accidentally posted this on someone else's post.

Shelbie Higginson

4/10/2015 04:51:32 pm

Hi Jose,
I completely believe that re-telling our nation’s history in this way would have negative repercussions on people’s patriotism. Personally, after learning this, it makes me very sad to know that our country was founded in this way. In a way, we were founded on the genocide of another group of people.

Luis D Lockhart

4/8/2015 04:21:51 pm

When I was in school learning about world history, we never delved much into Christopher Columbus, maybe this was why. I do remember one thing, our history books never portrayed Columbus the way Howard Zinn does. I remember Columbus being just an explorer who wanted to prove that the Earth was round. He supposedly had no ulterior motives but he had to give the King and Queen of Spain something so they could fund his expedition. Knowing that his first thoughts on meeting people of the New World, who were nothing but kind to him and his crew, were how he could potentially use them as labor makes me sick honestly. And then I read on to find even worse atrocities. After Columbus and his men were done, the Arawaks were extinct. Hearing about all this makes me want to have the world judge and condemn Columbus but then reading on, what Zinn says makes me feel that the situation is more complex than that. He and Samuel Eliot Morison feel that although what Columbus did was wrong, it was necessary for us to progress and we wouldn’t be here today, comparing it to the bombing of Hiroshima. Reading this, I can’t really think of Columbus as a good guy anymore, but I can understand that from his perspective, he most likely felt that none of what he did was wrong. His belief in God motivated him a lot and he was determined to sail across the ocean back when it was uncharted for the sake of his mission.
My question for everyone else is, do you feel that the end justifies the means here and in current times and in the future? Is it okay with you to overlook the wrongdoings people commit depending on the situation like if it’s for the greater good? How should we treat people of the past who have done this and people in the future who will?

Alicia Larez

6/14/2015 05:37:26 pm

To answer your question, no. The end does not justify the means. What happened to the natives was completely wrong, and unjustifiable. The natives were raped, robbed, and massacred. Till this day, the U.S. practices globalization through capitalism. It robs other countries from their resources, and exploits their people. We have a long history of taking advantage of people, and its wrong.

Erika Briseno

4/8/2015 04:22:50 pm

Our history classes taught us the most known story about Columbus. From what I remember, Columbus was said to be one mariner that discover America in 1492 and after being sailing for many days without having a sign of land. He had three ships and he was able to realize this trip thanks to the king and queen of Spain. Columbus was trying to find a new way to get to Asia without going in the traditional, known paths of his time. Columbus was always mentioned as a brave man that studied for many years a new way to get to Asia and who risked to find it; None would risk his/her life on the sea in a unknown way at that time. Also, some people would say that Columbus was innocent because he never knew he discovered a new continent.

Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus totally differs of what we have heard before. It is like going from white to black because it contrasts with the known versions of Columbus. Christopher Columbus was not really that amazing guy who discovered America because since the first moment he was in the American island of Bahamas, he felt like superior compared to the native people. It is unbelievable that he would order such massacres due to his avarice. Many people died without even knowing the reason because they didn’t know how valuable gold was. They would have little pieces of gold but they would use them as simple accessories. Additionally, it was unfair for natives to be taken as slaves if Columbus was not able to find the amounts of gold that he had promised to the Spanish crown.

The main motivation of Columbus to realize such brutal actions was his greed for power and money; Columbus idealized a land that had rivers where gold would flow and fields where it would be grown. He already knew that he would have a commission of all gold he would bring back to Spain. Also, he would be known for his adventure on the sea and he would be able to get another social status at that time. But, would all these reasons of Columbus be enough to be the main cause of death of thousands and thousands of innocent people, of children and woman that used to live in a peaceful land before the arrival of the foreigners?

Gloria Olea

4/10/2015 06:59:22 am

Although it is true that one of the causes of death of thousands of people was caused by Columbus. Meanwhile, one has to take into consideration the different wars in each country and how their were also casualties. It is easy to point the finger at Columbus because not only were their children in loved, but families as a whole destroyed . Many others have enslaved their own people and even killed so Columbus is not the only one for blame.

Luis Julian Cardenas

4/8/2015 04:28:58 pm

How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?
I don’t recall learning all that too much of the brave man that sailed the blue sea. I wasn’t interested in learning, partly because the history classes never intrigued me, and also because I could never relate to anything I would learn. Columbus, still to this day is seen as a historic icon, a legend, a hero, but what Zinn’s version provides, is quite the opposite. I would argue that Columbus was a man corrupted in his vision of wealth, fame and power. The way he succeeded to those visions was by lying, killing and manipulating his way into Latin America. The motivation of Columbus was much similar to Cortez and Pizarro, the accumulation of capital. During the reading, I enjoyed what Karl Marx had to say in regards to the rising European feudalism fights, it was for "the primitive accumulation of capital."

Are there any parts of the chapter you’d like to talk about which were particularly meaningful or interesting to you?
In chapter two of Zinn’s version of history, I found it extremely interesting the process of bringing African’s to America. Europeans in a new continent would have enslaved Native American, but simply didn’t have the power to do so. Native Americans had to terrain along with other sources, which gave them the upper hand in combat. This is what led to African slaves in America. Although this practice was seen already in Latin America, this would be revolutionary to the 13 colonies. In Africa though, Zinn argues that the continent was much more advanced than the European continent.
What if Africa had developed firearm, better weapons and a strong naval system than Europe? Do you think it was the Natives (excluding Aztecs) pureness in thought that allowed there kindness to be taken for granted or was it the corrupted minds of the western European countries?

Gabriela Ruiz

4/8/2015 04:37:30 pm

“People’s” history is the fake history everyone knows about. It is the history of the nation but not the whole truth. It is the history taught in public schools, what they want us to think. It includes the glorification of Christopher Columbus but fails to teach the students about what really happened. Textbooks in public schools cease to mention the stone cold facts about Columbus’s genocide towards the Native Americans. “People’s” history is so different from the traditional real stories told. If part of the truth is acknowledged it is a minute portion of the truth and it is said very quickly and almost looked over. Textbooks fail to state what really happened hundreds and hundreds of years ago. It’s upsetting that most people will not know the reality of our country’s ruthless, brutal, heartless upbringing until they reach college. I had my older brother to thank for informing me of the reality of this when I was much younger while he was attending community college at the time. In the near future I believe textbooks should be changed and the curriculum taught in public schools should be altered as well. Publishing companies should publish the truth and teachers should teach the truth to their students as well. Imagine if we had been taught the reality of things since we were young, that Columbus isn’t actually a hero and he wasn’t the first person to discover America. Now imagine what life would be like if the Americas hadn’t been ‘discovered’ by Columbus… would a majority of people in present day America be of Native American descent? Would have the same thing happened had some other Englishmen came across in search of ‘India’ for spices and stumbled upon the Americas and eventually have the same outcome of mass genocide to the Native Americans?? What do you think would have happened if Columbus never would of have sailed off on the Santa Maria?

Vicky M.

4/8/2015 04:55:16 pm

Individuals who attended a public school at any point in their lives have were taught through the banking system. They were also “taught” information that the white men wanted implanted in them. One of the fairytales they told us was of Christopher Columbus. We were taught that he ‘discovered’ North America along with other islands. But what the books did not say was that there were already people living there, the indigenous people, the natives. In the essay, “A People’s History of the United States”, chapter one, by Howard Zinn, the writer informs the reader what the high school books did not teach them. Zinn quotes Columbus on his beliefs towards the natives and his real purpose for exploring. Columbus was only interested in enslaving the indigenous people and looking for gold. Columbus took advantage of their nobleness and their ignorance in their advanced weapons.
What I believe motivated Columbus to take such actions was the compensation he was getting in return. Columbus grew up in a place that was nothing compared to how Arawaks lived which was probably why he took advantage of them. Columbus also knew that he was going to get money for all that he discovered which was also probably why he lied and said he spotted the land before Rodrigo. Columbus could have also been motivated to take those actions because he wanted some sort of power and control, since he was not getting it in his country. He probably wanted to be the powerful white man in those “discovered” lands.

vicky m.

4/8/2015 04:58:31 pm

People take advantage of people plenty of times and they all have their unexcused reasons for, but should people be enslaved to get what they want?

Luis Julian Cardenas

4/8/2015 04:56:43 pm

Asia Gamble

4/8/2015 04:58:32 pm

What is “People’s” history, and how does it differ from the traditional telling of history?

There’s three sides to every story. Person A's truth, person B's truth and the actual truth. Consider the history we have learned in elementary, middle and high school as side A, people’s history is side B and of course the truth obviously will represent itself. Side A wants the students to view America as this amazing prosperous country who does everything it can for it’s people. For example when we learned about Christopher Columbus sailing the ocean blue in 1492 we were taught that he sailed over to America in order to discover new land for his country. Side B (the people’s history) would tell you that Christopher Columbus was a terrible person who took over already occupied land and abused the people who owned it. The truth (or the most reasonable and realistic version of the truth since there are so many different ones) would be that Christopher Columbus was sailing to find new land for his country. He stubbled upon some land, although it wasn’t exactly the land he was looking for. The land columbus found was already occupied by it’s natives. Columbus coming from a society of greed wanted the land anyway. He decided to use force and enslave the natives to seize the land. Think about side A and side B again, which one sounds closer to the truth? The People’s history. To me the People’s history is better than the traditional telling history because although it may not be 100% factual (how can we really know? we weren’t there) its gives a better perspective of what really happened where the traditional telling of the truth is the version fed to you while your young to make your country look noble and heroic. The people’s history tells the story of those who were hurt by the ones who exploited them for their own personal gain. Too often do we hear about the “great” things our country did for its people and not enough about everyone who was hurt in the process.

Question: How can we make the people’s history more relevant and well known than the traditional telling of history, and only teach the closest version of the actual truth.

Gabriela Ruiz

4/10/2015 04:23:20 pm

Hi Asia! After reading your post i liked how you described the different stories. I actually realized that in my post i got confused and thought the People's History was the 'false school taught story' and that the traditional history was the 'Columbus was a terrible person' story. After reading your post i see i got confused but i like how you emphasized how we really do not know what happened. There really is 3 sides to every story and unless we go back in time we will never really know how it all went down in the past. I think to make the people's story known we should publish it in textbooks for public schools. This way the teachers in elementary, middle, and high school all teach it in the curriculum and the people's story about Columbus finding America becomes the traditional story. I also kinda want to say we should stop celebrating Columbus as a hero and remove it as a national holiday. That way people are more aware that in reality he was no hero. I think that way the people's history will be more relevant and well known.

Tanee Asberry

4/8/2015 05:02:20 pm

How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?
In my understanding of Christopher Columbus he thought that he was going to a different continent and came upon a different one and he took someone else’s land and made it his own. When I think of Columbus h just took another person’s land and wouldn’t give it back and then enslaved them and not giving them the rights that they did deserve and already had. During his first voyage in 1492, instead of reaching Japan as he had intended, Columbus landed in a New World, landing in the Bahamas archipelago, on an island he named San Salvador. Over the course of three more voyages, Columbus visited the Greater and Lesser Antilles, as well as the Caribbean coast of Venezuela and Central America, claiming them for the Spanish Empire. But while reading this I see a different way of thinking of Columbus was like. He really was still a horrible person and a horrible captain he had no clue where he was and he did keep some of the native people as slaves even though they died on the ship. Columbus's report to the Court in Madrid was extravagant. He insisted he had reached Asia (it was Cuba) and an island off the coast of China (Hispaniola). His descriptions were part fact, part fiction. I think that Columbus actions were led by only greed. He wanted gold and he was going to do everything in his power to get that and he didn’t care who was in his way because all he needed was his gold to take back home with him.

Anqi sun

4/10/2015 04:35:20 am

Yeah Tanee, I quite agree with you. If you have learned about the history of America, you will see that the early history of this continent was full of bloodshed death, especially in those places which was ruled by the Spanish people. In those places, the Spanish people treated their slaves very hard but almost paid nothing. Unlike the modern society, those people were usually forced to work for all day. That is why rebellion was so normal between the Native Americans and Spanish people. From my point of view, his legend was created on 50% of the fact, and the other 50% lies.

Anqi sun

4/10/2015 04:28:05 am

How do we usually think of Columbus? How does Zinn’s version of the story of Columbus differ from the traditional account? What do we think motivated Columbus’ actions?

In this blog, what Zinn has shown is another version Columbus which looks very different from what we have learned when we were familiar with. When I was still in the middle school, I was told in my history class that Columbus was the man who explore the world and eventually found the America. Without doubt, if Columbus was never able to arrive in this continent, the America may never able to exist. But there is one thing that many people have ignored: violence. When the first time Columbus came to the America, what the Native Americans did was to greet them. They brought them with “parrots and balls of cotton and spears and many other things, which they exchanged for the glass beads and hawks' bells. They willingly traded everything they owned…” But the things that Columbus wanted was much more than greetings and gifts, the main purpose he cares when he came to this new continent was the wealth and power. Like many other bad guys in the history, he wants to enslave the people and get what the Spanish wanted and that is what he did. By killing kidnaping and threatening those people which they believed were savage and uncivilized, Columbus earned his fame in Europe and in the history. For his king and the Spanish people at that time, he was treated as a hero who brought wealth and fame for the Empire, but only few people realized that his actions were motivated by his own greed.

Ashley De La PAz

4/27/2015 07:12:55 am

In our public school system we are told about how the Americas was found by a great man, who sailed the world to find a new land. We are taught that Columbus came here to search for gold and riches, and he met the Indians and they all got along with one another. We learned about less than of the actual story about this man that we dedicate a whole day to. In Zinn’s version of Columbus’ is very different from what most people are used to hearing, it is not your usual view of Columbus or short and summarize version. Zinn’s talks about how important this trip was to Columbus, he explains the promises Columbus had made with Spain, which said, that he would not come back empty handed. Once he arrived to the Americans we are told that Columbus that learned and got along with the Indian, but Zinn’s explain how the actual relationship was between Columbus and the natives actually was. Traditionally we do not hear much about the relationship between Columbus and the natives was, but Zinn’s goes into detail about it. Explaining what Columbus thought about them, how they were naïve and were not modern, and most importantly the author mentions how Columbus took advantage of the Indians. Throughout the first chapter we see the actual actions and intensions that Columbus had. We might think that his actions were motivated because of all the commitments he had before he went on his trip, and he knew that he could not fail because he would be punished if he did.

Blog #2 - Historical Context - The Building of "America"

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Blog #2 - Historical Context - The Building of "America"

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