Challenge Match: PatrickGarrow17 vs Hefficide - "Was Columbus a positive or negative influence on t, page 1

Was Columbus a positive or negative influence on the world?

Please allow me to begin by thanking my opponent, PatrickGarrow17, the members of ATS, and the staff and fighters of the Debate forum for providing us with both venue and audience. You are all always appreciated.

Taking my position in this debate does cause me a bit of personal pain. As some here may be aware, my father was a Native American. In fact my current place of residence, in Georgia, is quite literally my familial ancestrial home. These lands were stolen from my ancestors, by force and at gunpoint, by Europeans - in the most barbaric and uncivil of ways. In my veins flows the blood of people who were forced to walk the infamous and tragic Trail of Tears. The voices of those ancestors whisper within me, even as I write these words. They speak to me of the world that once was. The whispers from my European ancestors are also here, and have their opinions as well. These voices have Irish accents and they also speak to me of the world that was. Within me, voices speaking of an untainted paradise - others that speak of a Hellish world and the escape from that Hell by way of ocean voyage to the new world.

It is my hope that I, as a modern man, do all of my ancestors honor and justice in my arguments here.

Opening Statements

Today we will be discussing whether or not Christopher Columbus had a positive or a negative influence upon the world. With my opponents permission, I will consider Columbus to serve as a symbol for the plethora of European explorers who dared the Atlantic crossing and had varying levels of influence upon the world. It is that idea, I feel, that this debate must be focused upon. After all - prior to these men the notion of globalization could not exist, as the globe itself was still a mystery. That is, I believe, the meat of this issue... The age of discovery being the gateway to globalization.

It is my position, apt to be an upopular one one, given our conspiratorial environs here, that Columbus was, in fact, a positive influence upon the world. And for a variety of reasons.

The discovery of the Americas led to the circumnavigation of the world. This heralded a shift in human perception. Before Columbus there was a map, that had not changed much since the dawn of civilization. A map that had edges which said things like "Here there be dragons" or "The edge of the world". After the age of discovery there was a world - one with percpective. One where borders no longer led us into the abyss and unknown - but back, eventually to familiar lands. This simple reality cannot be minimized in its importance in the progression of human understanding. In circumnavigation of the globe and the defining of the shape of our world, the age of myth ended and the age of true reason was allowed to begin.



For the Europeans and denizens of the old world, the new world allowed for so much that had previously been lost in the after effects of feudalism and eons of war. There was now a new place - a virgin place. A land where title meant little, ones past meant nothing, and where Kings and Lords has little influence in the day to day lives of the common people. It was harsh land, but one that offered freedom. A type of freedom long since lost to the other half of the globe. A freedom that, eventually gave rise to the resurrection of the light that had once been Rome. Freedoms only whispered about in secret - from stories long since outlawed by Popes and Kings alike. The new world was a place where these stories could be told openly. The new world was the womb where the seed of freedom was, once again, allowed to grow and seek rebirth. The vast, wooded cradles of the new world was the nursery of the world we live in today - a world where Democracy exists and is no longer just a whispered story of what once was.

So, some came seeking adventure. Others a fresh start. Some came because to remain in Europe would have meant prison. Others, still, came because they wished to create a new home where their religious practices would not be judged or hindered.

And then there were those who came because they had heard the legends...



Many of those who came did so because of the stories they'd heard of cities of gold, tales of Quivira, Cibola, and El Dorado. Though fortunes of gold were found, those initial explorers seemed blind to the true fortune that the new world offered - resources such as timber and fertile land. It was these abundant treasures that had far more impact upon the world than any shipments of gold, silver, or precious stones. Today the Americas are sometimes referred to as the bread basket of the world - and rightly so as the bounty of this land enabled the entire world to have more than they had previously had access to. This bounty raised the quality of life in most of Europe and provided the means for a new renaissance of thought and advancement that has benefitted the entire world and all men who lived after the discovery and conquest of the new world.

All of this made possible because one man allegorically dared to push beyond the map - past the edge and into the places where serpents dwelled and the world ended. In doing so this man, and those like him, inadvertently opened up Pandoras box and allowed the modern world to escape. Had the Kings of Europe known then what we know now? They would have probably not only refused to finance expeditions to the new world. They might have even issued decrees making Atlantic travel a crime, punishable by death. In their quest for more lands, more subjects, more gold, and more power... In the quest for Empire - many of those Royal houses found their demise. They no longer hold sway over the world, as they once did.

This is why Columbus was a positive influence upon the world. Even at the cost of the Aboriginals who once were the sole inhabitants of the Americas. The voyages of Columbus and his fellow explorers altered the entire landscape of world politics and allowed for a shift from the stalemate that had plagued Europe for hundreds of years. Before Columbus there were nations - after Columbus there was a world. One defined and known... one where men could stop thinking in terrestrial and immediate terms and could really begin dreaming and thinking about greater things.

The name "Columbus", incidentally, is really irrelavent to the notion. Had a young Christopher Columbus decided to be a cobbler, rather than a sailor, we'd still be having the same conversation - but might be using the name Vespuci, Magellan, or De Leon instead. The fact of the matter is that the discovery and exploitation of the new world was an inevitable step in the progression of humanity as a species. It had to happen. For all of the tragedy that came of Columbus and his voyage of discovery - the benefits of that voyage, today, cannot be denied. On the decks of those ships, roughly five hundred years ago... the modern age of man was born. And all of humanity has benefited from the series of events which followed Columbus setting foot upon his ship that fateful day in 1492.

With that, I conclude my opening remarks. Thank you.

~Heff

In this debate, we will stray from focusing on the commonplace topics of ATS. We often discuss current events, modern conspiracies, and the paranormal. This comes at the expense of reflecting on deeper history, and the era from which our current world originates.

I thank ATS for providing the opportunity for this reflection, Hefficide for agreeing to the topic, and most of all everyone who chooses to read our discussion.

My opponent's opening frames this debate exactly as I would like it to be.

He started by sharing a connection to Native Americans, one which I was unaware of. We are clearly in agreement that the people indigenous to the land in the Western hemisphere were subjected in inexcusable crimes. This, of course will be a primary factor in my argument that Columbus had a negative impact on our world.

Also, I applaud Hefficide for expanding this discussion beyond Columbus as an individual. Columbus is the face of a broad movement of "exploration," and more significantly colonization and exploitation.

With my opponents permission, I will consider Columbus to serve as a symbol for the plethora of European explorers who dared the Atlantic crossing and had varying levels of influence upon the world. It is that idea, I feel, that this debate must be focused upon.

Permission granted. It is agreed that Columbus himself is not the only subject of the debate, but European expansion in general must be considered.

But before we delve into that, let's not forget the other side completely. Because now we are not just talking about the Taino's, and Native Americans that Columbus interacted with exclusively. We are considering the entire picture:

- Exact figures are uncertain, but Professor William Denevan estimates about 54 million indigenous lived in the Americas pre-Columbus. By 1650, there were less than 6 million. Genocide. link from UW

- Oppression against Native Americans continued overtly for a long time. Jackson instituted an Indian removal policy in 1830. The Wounded Knee massacre in 1893. Tribal land was seized continually. link.

- Still today, reservations are plagued by poverty. link.


Crimes of European activity in the New World do not end with Native genocide. There is also the issue of African slavery.

- It is estimated that about 12 million African slaves were brought to the New World. link

- Slavery existed in America until after the Civil War, overt discrimination until the mid 1960's at the earliest, and economic inequality continues to this day.


So, as these statistics outline, vast atrocities were committed in the process of European colonization. This started with Columbus.

They were well-built, with good bodies and handsome features.... They do not bear arms, and do not know them, for I showed them a sword, they took it by the edge and cut themselves out of ignorance. They have no iron. Their spears are made of cane... . They would make fine servants.... With fifty men we could subjugate them all and make them do whatever we want.

quote by Columbus

So, my opponent is admittedly left with an awkward and uncomfortable position. He must provide evidence that the benefits from colonization exceed the obvious crimes. It is a position that would make Machiavelli proud.

But let's not assume that these crimes were essential to the globalization process. I agree that an increase in global knowledge is good for humanity. International relationships and trade are good for humanity.

What I take issue with was the process that created these benefits, and a lingering mind state that we as a species have yet to shake. In 1492 Columbus left looking for a trade route, looking for riches. His attitude toward the Natives upon arriving shows that oppressive tactics were always a part of the plan.

To this day, our economic patterns show that many are willing to put profit before human rights. We have factories in developing nations that border on slave labor, entire wars waged for economic reasons, and exploitative advertising.

All of this comes from the precedents set by the era of colonization, and continuing with imperialism.

I don''t buy the notion that humans in 1500 knew no better. Ethical philosophy was there for any to follow.

I think the world could have been explored, and international relationships could have been set up more peacefully under more humanitarian leadership. I agree that a more globalized world is better, but qualify by reminding that our global society can be vastly improved and our problems are rooted in the sinister motivations of those like Columbus.

It is extremely difficult for us to admit a wrong doing of the past when none of us would exist without it. Since Columbus' time, the quality of life has increased for many. For this reason, it becomes easy to tolerate a negative event and justify it based on what occurs now.

In America, we are indoctrinated with the image of Columbus as hero before an ability to think critically develops. We get a holiday to celebrate his accomplishments. Washington DC bears his name, as does an Ivy league university, the capitals of Ohio/South Carolina, a sportswear brand, and a S. American nation.

There may be no other name that is honored to this level in the Western world.

The result? An acceptance of atrocity on the path to prosperity, maybe as deep as the subconscious.

Some do overcome this, a poll from rasm ussen shows that 24% of Americans believe Columbus should no longer be honored with a holiday.

But for the most part, the legend of Christopher Columbus continues to haunt our morality.

My opponent has now attempted to drive his argument with the idea that European immigration to the America's ushered a new level of liberty and freedom. At the same time, he would like to dismiss some of my arguments as too America-centric.

There is a contradiction to this thinking that we must consider. The economic growth that resulted from the transatlantic trade and colonization in the 17th and 18th centuries created a unique situation in Europe which allowed for the rise of the industrial revolution. Manufacturing led to the creation of a weaponization that would prove unstoppable in the rest of the world.

While some progress was made in terms of liberty in America, the squeeze on liberty world wide took hold.



Following the pillaging of the America's, the economic model of exploitation expanded worldwide until the vast majority of the world was controlled by a government with European origins.

Indeed, what started with Columbus did result in the expansion of empire.

But, let's also turn back the clock. My opponent is correct that the general paradigm of exploitation/oppression existed prior to Columbus. He is correct that slavery was a well established practice. I can not see, however, how these facts help his case.

These were negative actions when Jews were enslaved in Egypt, when Genghis Khan unleashed terror across Eurasia, and once again when Columbus assisted in expanding these practices to levels before unseen.

I refuse to accept that humans are incapable of interacting without a sinister ulterior motive. Columbus represents a continuation and expansion of an ethic that will remain negative until it is expunged from humankind. This loose morality has haunted us throughout the centuries, and continues to this day.

Our celebration of Columbus is detrimental to overcoming historical crimes and moving on to a society where any form of oppression is simply not tolerated, no matter what benefits may come as a result.

I rarely hear anyone giving the Nazis credit for providing a wealth of medical data.

And in the same manner, we should not give Columbus credit for any economic, scientific, or societal benefits that followed. His crimes are on par with the Nazi regime, and the way of business that he represents is guilty of all of the crimes that occurred after his death.

It is a vicious cycle, for sure. By allowing ourselves to see Columbus as a positive influence on the world, we are tolerating an "ends justify the means" mentality. This will never work because in the process of exploiting one group for the benefit of many, unforgivable memories become a cause for vengence.

Columbus himself was a victim of this, and could not overcome it because his society tolerated oppression.

During the time when Columbus was seeking funding for his journey, the Spanish Inquisition was established by the very regime that would pay for the voyage. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Columbus came from an environment of extreme intolerance, and was in debt to the leaders of a slaughter.

Until negative actions like the ones associated with Columbus are unacceptable, the cycle of violence and exploitation will continue. Current crime and oppression can find roots well before Columbus, but none did more to expand their use and none are more celebrated for it.



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(Side topic for anyone interested:Luis de Santangel, a Jewish finance minister who convinced the Spanish crown to fund Columbus. He was granted immunity from the inquisition for service to the crown. Conspiracists believe that Columbus himself was a Jew, escaping European persecution.)

To begin my closing statement, I will summarize my opponents argument:

Columbus, and those like him, made significant contributions in building a better world. Our modern technology, comfort, increased knowledge, etc. are all directly related to these initial explorations. The way of life in the 21st century is an incredible improvement over that in the 15th. The atrocities committed on this path were a necessary evil, unavoidable, and ultimately overshadowed by the parallel advancements.

It will be up to the judges and readers to decide for themselves, if this is the proper interpretation. Before an opinion is formed, let's consider the opposing evidence.

First, the stance that conflict was unavoidable in the process of exploring and developing an accurate picture of the planet.

There was an explorer before Columbus, from China, that made an equally impressive journey without falling into the trap of exploitation and colonization. Zheng He. He did possess a military, but did not choose to take over foreign lands.

There is some evidence that the Chinese admiral even made it to America as early as the 1420's.



China, where guns and steel existed before Europe, chose not to colonize the world.

(Note: Not to say China is free of expansion crimes, just to point out that superior weapons and navy did not leave no other options but taking over the world.)

It is not unreasonable to think European explorers could have chosen to explore for purely scientific reasons, and set up peaceful trading partnerships. This type of policy would have certainly been more in line with the teaching of Jesus.

But, the fact is that economics is what primarily drove the age of exploration. Originally seeking Asian spices, then moving to land, crops, gold, slaves. Any virtuous intent was secondary.

And this is what I'd like us to focus on. Why was Columbus doing what he was doing? Why did these people leave their home shores on ships?

Because there was a chance they would get rich.

Get rich, they did. The entire Western World did. And in fact, my opponent is correct that the globalizing effect is a positive legacy of Columbus.

This debate is inevitably not one that comes down to facts, but values and ethic. So much is hypothetical. What if Columbus hadn't made the trip? What if all Europeans stayed home? Where would the world be now?

I can not answer these questions concretely. I can propose that humanity could have found itself in a state of similar material wealth and quality of life without the legacy of oppression, but I can offer no proof for this.

What we have is really the ultimate ethical debate. This age of exploration gave us so much of the good things that we know today, but it was accomplished by a mindset that plagues us with many of our problems.

By my thinking, though, this debate can be solved. The things gained by Columbus are little compared to what we sacrifice. Materials can only get us so far in life. We now have all of this stuff, but we are still left slacking in the truly important.

The driving force of our economic expansion is greed. To this day, we see a society rank with an insatiable lust to have more stuff, the best stuff, and show it off. It doesn't matter if others lose in the process of becoming wealthy, "I'm gonna get mine."

A disproportionate focus on hoarding wealth haunted Columbus and those that financed him. People became commodities and consumers to the wealthy class. A sentiment which continues to linger.

To anyone seeking a higher virtue, it is a simple debate. Material wealth brings little happiness when compared to the mental wealth of a high ethic. Lasting happiness comes as the result of a clear conscious and a satisfied self. Only temporary happiness can be found in a plate of delicious meat at a mansion.

Happiness is a state of mind, not a state of action. Until we choose to accept a more virtuous ethic our desires can not be fulfilled.


A reason I wanted to take on this debate was to try and explain that the negative influence of Columbus is not only measured in dead bodies or stolen acres, but in the loose morality involved in accepting uncountable crimes in exchange for better stuff.

Globalization is positive for the world in some ways, but until we start interacting with a common respect for each other and holding oppressors accountable, I'm afraid we will be left in the same predicament of a largely unjust world.


Paying off the American debt would be positive in itself. But would we be willing to invade Mexico, kill a few million, and claim all of their resources to do it?



Thank you to Hefficide and everyone who took the time to read our discussion.