In my psychology class of race and ethics, I was presented with the following information, a series of myths and lies about the true story of Christopher Columbus. Some of those myths are these; most Europeans thought the earth was flat, Columbus was outfitted with three pitiful small ships, the journey was difficult, Columbus was the first person from the West, Europe, Africa and Asia to visit the Americas, Columbus discovered the Americas, and Columbus was nice to native Americans. These are myths told to us ever since elementary school as true history but with research we come to find that every single one of the these “facts” about Columbus are lies.

1. Why are these specific myths still being taught in grade school? What purpose does it serve to teach young children these particular myths?

These specific myths are still being taught in grade because it makes him a mythical hero and great stories and heroes fascinate children. These specific myths are to point out how adventurous and smart of a man he was. Teachers have to follow along with the curriculum given to them, which involves teaching out of textbooks approved by the government. Most people in government as well as those who write these textbooks are from European descendants. The purpose of teaching them these myths is to make people believe that we came from a great noble country and to minimize the importance of the pre-Columbus era. Putting Europeans in the Americas first gives them power of history. By adding to Columbus’ stories that he died poor they make him more saintly and god like which in turn makes it even easier to believe and appealing to children.

2. What was Columbus’ initial impression of the Native Americans, the Arawaks, who inhabited Haiti and most of the Caribbean Islands? Did his impression change of the Arawaks and if so how did it change?

Columbus’ initial impressions of the Arawaks were that they were healthy and intelligent, that they had good customs and were very beautiful. He started to notice some of them walking around with pieces of metal hanging from them and wanted to discover if they had more metal or gold. Once realizing they had a large amount of gold south of their island, he didn’t care about them, he just wanted their gold. To make it easier on his own conscience he turned his view of them into savages. This way it would be easier to conquer, steal and kill them. He justified himself by saying they were cruel, stupid and war like people.

3. What was Columbus’ role in the development of the slave trade in Europe?

Columbus played a major role in the development of the slave trade. He brought back the first slaves to Europe, and exported more slaves than any other person. Then directed other Europeans into the enslavement of Africa, after enslaving and killing whole Indian nations. Europeans turned to Africa and continued into Haiti once the Indians died off and the largest slave revolt started as Indians and Africans joined forces.

4. How did Columbus’ exploitation of the Americas change the wealth, power and population size of Europe?

Columbus’ exploitation of the Americas changed Europe in a drastic way before 1492 when Europe had no recognition. They were a starving country. Columbus brought back with him food, which nourished the people of Europe and gave them back their health and gold which gave them wealth and power. There was so much gold coming back from the Americas they used it to decorate. Spain became the richest county. With the food that was being brought back the Europeans planted it and grew crops of it giving them a substantial amount of food for their country. With gold and riches it gave them the ability to have more weapons, armies, and clothing. With wealth comes power and respect.

5.Why doesn’t Mexico see Columbus as a hero to be acknowledged and celebrated? Their heritage is more connected to Spain than the United States. Why does the United States celebrate Columbus and see him as a hero when he never actually stepped foot on any part of the United States?

Mexico does not see Columbus as a hero because they are more Indian then the United States. As they hold more to their original native roots they do not care to celebrate a character of importance to white history, and not of the history of the Americas. The United States celebrates Columbus because the United States history began with Columbus’ first voyage so we’re taught. Even though he never actually stepped foot in the United States the United States consider themselves as Americans. So we as Americans must celebrate the person responsible for the making of us. The United States gives itself the name of “America” forgetting that the Americas are a continent and not a specific nation.