Christopher Columbus Day: A Tragic Hero

Words: 504
Pages: 3

Every year, on Columbus Day, Christopher Columbus is admired for his intelligence and bravery which led to the “discovery” of America. Thousands of people believe that Columbus Day is a holiday that celebrates genocide due to Columbus’ cruel acts. Schools across America teach students that Columbus is a courageous hero for his “discovery” of the New World. Although Columbus used his courage and outstanding navigation skills during his expedition in 1492, millions of indigenous people suffered from his genocidal acts. Columbus and his men, who were known as Spaniards, were avaricious. Although acquiring gold was their main goal, the Spaniards “demanded...whatever the Indians had that they wanted” (Loewen 17). This included “food...spun cotton…[and]