Christopher Columbus Stereotypes Essay

If one were to name any continent on the planet, an image would immediately be conjured up in our minds that paints the picture of our perception of that entire region. While there may be millions of diverse people, cultures, and landscapes that make up said region, one image will epitomize our characterization of it. Stereotypes often form the basis of our perspectives of foreign lands and the people they inhabit. At the time of Christopher Columbus’ voyages, Europeans stereotyped themselves as superior beings as a result of the Renaissance endorsing humanist ideals, as reflected in his 1493 report to the Spanish court on his initial voyage to the new world. Whether it be any social or geographical entity, stereotypes are ingrained in our

psyche, making a profound impact on our thoughts, actions, and understandings towards foreign lands and peoples during our travel experiences.
In 1486, six years before the first voyage of Columbus, Italian Renaissance humanist Pico della Mirandola published “Oration on the Dignity of Man.” The book, advocating the potential capabilities of mankind, epitomized the Renaissance literary movement Europe was experiencing. Mirandola writes, “Let some holy ambition invade our souls, so that, dissatisfied with mediocrity, we shall eagerly desire the highest things and shall toil with all our strength to obtain them, since we may if we wish,” (Brians). In 1504, sculptor Michelangelo completed David (Sandstead), a towering sculpture representing man in an idealized, even godlike form, demonstrating the increasing admiration and awareness of mankind’s capabilities among Europeans. Widespread humanist conversation in Europe undoubtedly plays a large factor in setting the foundation of the European superiority complex that dominates their global affairs for centuries. But, we must also consider that the Renaissance movement was confined to European boundaries. This is not to say that ideas characterizing Renaissance humanism may have been expressed in the cultures of other parts of the world, but Europeans never expressed any interaction nor interest in such cultures, they just wanted their resources. The exclusivity of the Renaissance exchange, combined with the values represented in the movement’s ideals, allowed Europeans to stereotype that their culture and way of life was simply better.
Eurocentric thinking is evident in the assertion of the Spanish government, ideals, and religion on the native people.

The idea that their way of life should be the model for other societies to follow is strongly prevalent in Columbus’ 1493 report. Columbus writes, “I forcibly seized some Indians from the first island, so that they might learn from us,” (Norton 81). His forced seizure reveals not only a willingness to exploit the natives for whatever need he has, but also a sense of entitlement enabling him to do whatever he wants because he is more civilized. The names he gives the islands he discovers have catholic connotation and he gave them “pretty and acceptable objects” so he can “win them over to me, and that they might become Christians, and be inclined to love our King and Queen and Prince and all the peoples of Spain,” (Norton 80). The report reflects how believed they would have a positive influence on native people by forcing European ideals into native lifestyle, a product of

eurocentrism.
European snobbery is further evident in the tone of Columbus’ writing. He states, “they bought pieces of hoops, pots, pitchers, and jars for cotton and gold, like dumb beasts,” (Norton 80) demonstrating he viewed them as mere savages. Columbus suggests they are less civilized than the Spanish, and thus savage, due to material differences such as lack of clothing and advanced weaponry. Material differences are no indication that European society was necessarily better, this is only Colombus’ perspective, a product of his eurocentric position. Some societies across the world were equally, if not more, sophisticated and complex than the Europeans at the time. African societies had systems of participatory government and vast trade networks (Understanding Slavery Initiative), the Inca of South America had major highway networks (Cartwright), and the Aztecs of Central America made discoveries in math, agriculture, and medicine more advanced than anyone in Europe (Aztec Technology). Each example signifies how Europeans immediately assume superiority as a result of their ignorance of other peoples and a sense of arrogance resulting from the Renaissance feeding their egos. The stereotype of superiority prevents an adequate understanding of the culture of the native people.
Columbus embarked on his journey for the sake of finding a new route to the East (Royal Museums Greenwich).

Before he left, he ventured to the East maintaining the stereotype that it was littered with gold, spices, and the economic opportunities that would make the Spanish investment worthwhile. If the success of the endeavor were judged by the report, it would seem the trip was wildly successful. He states, “All these islands are most beautiful and distinguished by various forms; one can travel through them, and they are full of trees of the greatest variety.” He describes “high mountains, broad stretches of country, forests, and extremely fruitful fields excellently adapted for sowing, grazing, and building dwelling houses,” (Norton 79). Readers must remember his purpose was to discover such a land; his intentions were to please his investors, which is reasoning for his glittering descriptions. While audience certainly plays a factor in Columbus’ interpretation, he arrived in Hispaniola with expectations sky high thanks to his preconceived stereotype of the land he was finding. His judgement was clouded because he was so desperate to see only that which would impress. We can assume he overlooked, or chose not to report, many details that would have reflected negatively on the land he found. Today, travelers expect New Yorkers to be rude, French wine to be delicious, and Brazilians to be tan and slender. As a result, we likely won’t speak to New Yorkers, only drink wine in

France, and never leave the beach in Brazil. In any case, travelers are likely to miss out on experiences or overlook details because they have enclosed the possibilities of their travel to such a narrow scope, like Columbus. The stereotypes of Europeans in the 15th century and modern travelers may be different, but the transparency lies in the fact they both lead our understandings of destinations astray.
Columbus’ comprehension of his experience upon arrival in Hispaniola exhibits a tendency within all of us. Our preconceived generalizations and stereotypes are responsible for shaping our perspectives prior to travel experiences as well as our actions during them. The harm of our stereotypes lies in their ability to shape our insight of what we see and those we interact with as we travel, potentially preventing us from gaining a better understanding because we believe we have it. The beauty of travel, however, lies in its ability to expand our horizons, grasp a different perspective, see the bigger picture, and maybe even force us to let go of the stereotypes we hold far too near.