Facts about Christopher Columbus

[Nick]

If you guys havent' read the Oatmeal, it is so worth it.

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/columbus_day

The comic from today or yesterday is interesting in particular because it makes me think about how history as it is taught can be so dramatically skewed. I think most people have a tendancy to believe whatever they read or hear, and history is normally regarded as factual (hey, it happened and it was recorded). So sometimes things like this are pretty interesting where you really question what you think you know.

I'm sure there are hundreds of examples of things we assume are correct or right but are really wrong.

Anyway, check out the cartoon. It's interesting. Makes ol' Chris Columbus look like Hitler.

 

[hammer]

Don't mind the day off but now I feel guilty about it...

 

[bvibert]

Wow, what a dick.

 

[dmc]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartolomé_de_las_Casas

 

[Glenn]

"It's on the internet...it must be true!"

I'll take it with a grain of salt.

 

[Nick]

"It's on the internet...it must be true!"

I'll take it with a grain of salt.

Yeah I do to. Generally the Oatmeal posts stuff that is pretty true.

Bt fact checking is always prudent adn I didn't check everything that he said but I wouldn't be surprised it if were entirely true.

 

[Abubob]

No salt is needed. I've heard much of this before. The Spanish were notorious for their lust for gold. Why was Columbus sailing the way he was? It was to find a shorter trade route to India. That much everybody is aware of. And why was he looking for this shorter trade route? Money money money money!!

While you're at it compare notes on Edison vs Tesla.

 

[jack97]

Does not surprise me either. Back then if you have superior forces, enslavement of the natives was the norm. As such, countries have built strong economies based on this type of labor.

 

[Nick]

Yeah that same guy (Oatmeal) did a big Tesla vs. Edison thing

 

[jack97]

Yeah that same guy (Oatmeal) did a big Tesla vs. Edison thing

Was it like this?