Socratic seminar #1 (reading #1)

Reading #1

Columbus Day

A holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October in the United States to honor Christopher Columbus.

Christopher Columbus

An Italian explorer credited with the discovery of America; however, his actions resulted in the destruction of native cultures.

Arrogance

A sense of superiority that led Columbus to ignore the rights of the indigenous peoples he encountered.

Enslavement

The action of making someone a slave; Columbus exported thousands of natives as slaves despite orders to treat them kindly.

Zemiism

The distinct religion of the indigenous Caribbean people, representing spiritual power through idols.

Inhumane Acts

Cruel actions characterized by a lack of compassion for others, as demonstrated by Columbus and his men towards the natives.

Indigenous Peoples

The original inhabitants of a region, often facing colonization and exploitation, such as the natives encountered by Columbus.

Exploitation

The act of using someone unfairly for one's own advantage; Columbus exploited the native population for profit.

Historical Revisionism

The reinterpretation of historical events; Columbus’s actions are often portrayed through a biased lens, neglecting the suffering of natives.

Cultural Erasure

The systematic elimination of a culture; Columbus's arrival led to the near extinction of native cultures in the Americas.