The journal of Christopher Columbus manages to be both fascinating, and appalling all at once. The journal readily demonstrates the arrogance, ignorance and sense of entitlment, that as we know today would quickly lead to violence and abuse of native people and their cultures across the world. In the case of Christopher Columbus his effect would focus greatly on latin america even though his Royal “mission” was to find new passage to the west indies. A fascinating component of the journal is the descriptive qualties encapturing the journey almost like a story comprabable to ficitonal novels like HG Wells The Island of Doctor Moureau. The hidious and repulsive component is the journals very real content, highlighting the superiorty that Colombus identifies with and uses to justifiy the horendous treatment of the people he meets upon arrival to latin america. From the start it is clear that Colombus has an inflated sense of superiorty. He begins stating his status as a “Don” with a royally apppointed mission. Progressing into this journey he demonstartes he has no hang ups with lying to his crew or upon arrival to his “destination” taking the people there home as though they are souvenirs of his travels. Over all the journal of Columbus although difficult to digest proves to be a very important and insightful read. It exposes the reader to unedited intentions and mindsets of colonists. Continue reading →