For years, many history books claimed that "Columbus discovered America." Why do you think Native Americans might disagree with the word "discovered" in this statement? What might be a better word?
The word "discovered" implies that no other person knew about the Americas. But native Americans had been here for at least 10,000 years before Columbus.
Native Americans might disagree with the word "discovered" in the statement because they believe that their ancestors were already living in the Americas for thousands of years before Columbus arrived. Using the word "discovered" implies that the land was empty or unknown before Columbus, erasing the rich history and civilizations that existed.
A better word to describe Columbus's arrival might be "encountered" or "encountered for the first time." This wording acknowledges the fact that Columbus's arrival marked a significant encounter between European explorers and the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, rather than implying that Columbus "discovered" a land that was already inhabited.
The word "discovered" implies that Christopher Columbus was the first person to find America, which is not accurate. Native Americans certainly have valid reasons to disagree with this claim. To understand why they might object, let's look at some historical context.
Before Columbus arrived, the Americas were already inhabited by a multitude of diverse indigenous cultures and civilizations, with advanced societies like the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans, among others. These societies had established complex systems of government, trade networks, art, agriculture, and architecture long before Columbus set foot on the continent.
A more accurate and inclusive word that could be used instead of "discovered" is "encountered." This acknowledges that Columbus, along with Europeans, encountered America for the first time from their perspective, coming into contact with the indigenous peoples who had already called the land their home.
However, it's important to note that even the word "encountered" may not fully capture the indigenous perspective, as it implies an equal meeting of two parties. Many Native Americans might prefer phrases like "arrived in" or "made landfall in" America, as these expressions acknowledge the European arrival without downplaying the pre-existing indigenous presence.
Ultimately, the usage of language plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of historical events, so it's crucial to be mindful of the nuances and perspectives involved when discussing such topics.