By Ryan Williams
I found Thomas Bowden’s op-ed in Monday’s SMDP (“West is indebted to Chris Columbus,” Oct. 8) to be a ridiculous oversimplification. Columbus does not deserve credit for all of the accomplishments of Western scientists and thinkers subsequent to his discoveries. Columbus’ legacy must be based on his actions alone. He was an accomplished explorer and made some significant discoveries.
A critical mind, however, must also ask whether Columbus’ true legacy was the religious and imperialistic genocide which he began in the Caribbean that claimed the lives of innumerable indigenous people. Some of us cannot overlook this aspect of Columbus’ legacy and, therefore, choose not to celebrate him, despite our respect for other accomplishments of Western culture.
Does that make me a “frightened savage” too?
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 10, 2007. Read the original PDF.