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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Jeffrey Kolowith's kindergarten students read a poem about Christopher Columbus, take a journey to the New World on three paper ships and place the explorer's picture on a timeline through history.
Kolowith's students learn about the explorer's significance—though they also come away with a more nuanced picture of Columbus than the noble discoverer often portrayed in pop culture and legend.
I think the "problem" comes from the fact that he has been presented as something akin to a plaster saint in American schools. And perhaps this is because Americans when creating a national myth started the story with Columbus, who consequently had to be all-good like Geo. Washington, etc. etc. Totally unrealistic, but it is the kind of stuff that most nations indoctrinate their young with in school.
Certainly Europeans have long seen him as one of many explorers, and they were all men of varying characters and motives. Seeing that the man was human, and thus flawed is not the same a making a monster out of him.
In the U.S Classrooms, they are deforming Columbus' image and legacy to suit political and PC agendas.
I find that stupid. How can you judge history according to today's political agendas?
Colombus was no saint, he was very ambitious, dictatorial, a embezzler and a mercenary, but they are judging him for "the holocausts of Indians" or typical PC B.S he was not guilty for.
Problem with public education is that politicians play with our childrens.
Last edited by Leovigildo; 10-12-2009 at 04:27 AM..
I think the "problem" comes from the fact that he has been presented as something akin to a plaster saint in American schools. And perhaps this is because Americans when creating a national myth started the story with Columbus, who consequently had to be all-good like Geo. Washington, etc. etc. Totally unrealistic, but it is the kind of stuff that most nations indoctrinate their young with in school.
Certainly Europeans have long seen him as one of many explorers, and they were all men of varying characters and motives. Seeing that the man was human, and thus flawed is not the same a making a monster out of him.
I agree, most countries, including the US, have their heroes who are treated in an almost God-like reverential way. I like it that these people can be seen in a more human and realistic way.
It's good to teach an honest balanced view, but I just picture some ponytailed academic with his own liberal agenda swinging it the other way.
"In McDonald, Pa., 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh, fourth-grade students at Fort Cherry Elementary put Columbus on trial this year—charging him with misrepresenting the Spanish crown and thievery. They found him guilty and sentenced him to life in prison."
I cringe when I read that. History should not be taken out of context of the period it occured, and we shouldn't judge the morals of today against it. Neither can you seperate the man from the times. Should we be teaching that Columbus is this evil criminal? Or a flawed figure that achieved great things during a time in history where the rights of every man were not recognized by the norms of that day and age? The above example is not a history lesson, it's a lesson in political correctness and idealogy - it serves no educational purpose.
In the U.S Classrooms, they are deforming Columbus' image and legacy to suit political and PC agendas.
.
Columbus never realized what he had "discovered". He thought he found a trade route to the West Indies and did not.
I find it refreshing that the truth is finally being taught and that we are not offering homage to someone who was just another sailor trying to find a cheaper passage to the indies to make a fast buck.
Christopher Columbus was a mass-murderer. Why stop at Columbus Day? Why not have a "Hitler Day" or "Stalin Day"? It's just as fitting. It's unfortunate we celebrate a holiday after a murderer and tyrant and completely overlook a truly great man much more worthy of praise and respect: Leif Ericson.
I think we should all be greatful to Columbus and his men. Afterall, if they hadnt spread all that syphillus to the indigenous peoples of the new world we may not have been motivated enough to discover things like antibiotics. So thanks Christopher! We appreciate all the hard work you and your crew put into raping,pillaging and decimating!
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