"Christopher Columbus' Relevance Remains Integral to American Heritage: Commentary"

Christopher Columbus's critics should take a voyage themselves, as his faith, humor, and diplomacy were instrumental in his career.

In the words of Christopher Columbus himself, let those who are quick to criticize and find fault ask themselves why they have not embarked on a similar journey. Columbus, known for his humor, diplomacy, and faith, faced his fair share of critics during his career as an explorer and colonial governor.

It is interesting to note that the sentiment against Columbus is not a new phenomenon. When Columbus refused to allow the Spanish settlers to enslave the natives of the West Indies, one Francisco de Bobadilla was summoned from Spain to take control. Bobadilla, eager to claim the spoils of the colony, fabricated accusations against Columbus and sent him back to Spain in chains. He then established a reign of slavery, rape, and murder that wrongly tarnished Columbus' reputation.

Contrary to popular belief, Columbus had great respect for the indigenous people he encountered and sought to make them Spanish citizens and Christians. Born into humble beginnings as the son of a Genovese wool weaver, Columbus was a self-made man and a remarkable self-taught scholar. He possessed vision, determination, and courage, embarking on a journey that many discouraged and few dared attempt. Like many immigrants who followed him, Columbus faced injustice and prejudice, but he faced them with grace and dignity, leaving behind a legacy that all Americans should be proud of.

For those who have been influenced by Howard Zinn's perspective on Columbus, a recommended alternative is Samuel Eliot Morison's "Admiral of the Ocean Sea," a masterful account that provides a balanced view of Columbus. Alternatively, for those seeking a thrilling true-life adventure, Apsley Cherry-Garrard's "The Worst Journey in the World" recounts Robert Falcon Scott's ill-fated Antarctic expedition. Cherry-Garrard, a young and inexperienced member of the crew, proved to be an invaluable asset due to his resilience in the face of extreme conditions.

Cherry-Garrard's account offers a captivating and unsparing look at a venture that went awry. Scott and four of his men perished on the return journey, having been beaten to the South Pole by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. Despite their failure, they carried everything with them, including diaries and the first Antarctic fossils. "The Worst Journey in the World" stands as a testament to their bravery and determination.

In his own words, Cherry-Garrard described his adventure as "the cleanest and most isolated way of having a bad time which has been devised." While most of us may not have the opportunity to undergo such character-building ordeals, we may still be called to navigate treacherous paths in our own lives.

Those who are currently revising our national story do so with a defeatist mindset. Their motivations are driven more by resentment and self-importance than a genuine pursuit of truth. They wield the past as a weapon to demand power and status for their particular group. However, this constant need to "debunk" diminishes us all. The American founding, like any founding, is built on both historical fact and inspiring mythology. To preserve our nation, we must clarify the truth while also restoring the uplifting narratives. Today, the day after the holiday formerly known as "Columbus Day," serves as an opportune moment to begin this process.

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