What makes North America ‘Western”?
People use the term ‘Western’ at free will to describe certain countries. Though a common term, the similarities between the countries described using the term, are not well defined. Nonetheless, one commonality stands out; that they have considerable populations of European decent, and having societies and cultures heavily influenced by and connected to Europe. The North America region is made of two countries; The United States of America and Canada, both of which were colonies of Britain. The occupation of the two countries by the British shaped their societies and cultures significantly. Part of the culture includes religion and a trait of language that unifies the two countries. Among other cornucopia of common characteristics between the two countries, is that they are some of the oldest democracies (Plaid & Shmidheiser, 2010). Their economic prowess, evidenced by massive Gross Domestic Product and Per Capita Income is also synonymous with its colonial masters and other European powers. This makes this abundantly influential region ‘western’
The characterization of North America
North America as a region is depicted as a power house in many respects. More precisely, the textbook dabs North America as the greatest region globally. While using imagery to emphasize his stand, the author characterizes North America as ‘the biggest meat and potato eater’. While this is not said in jest, the author adduces evidence to back his assertions. It is not just enough to delve into history in order to prove a standpoint. The author recognizes this and has a wide array of statistics to validate theoretical utterances. From the figures showing the Gross Domestic Product of the top five nations to the military expenditures, the author goes to lengths to portray the region as a force with which to reckon. Although the topic is predominantly on North America, the presentation of facts and arguments is not biased. Even the undertones of admiration for the region do not cloud the fairness of the information.
Zinn’s version of Columbus
Zinn offers an explicit account of the voyages and explorations by Columbus. The account offers intricate details and eludes literature from other scholars. However, it is evident that the author takes an issue with the way Columbus opened up the native people of the lands he explored for exploitation (Zinn, 2010). The author gives accounts of how the connected explorer took advantage of the hospitality and generosity of the natives. In order to emphasize and amplify his take on the perceived atrocities, the author quotes and presents excerpts sent by Columbus to the financiers of the voyage, the Queen of Spain. By reading the excerpts, you meet the impunity with which Columbus carried out his affairs.
While this is an account that I had not heard of before, the information adduced puts me in a dilemma. While I viewed the early explorers as heroes, it is very hard to ignore the demise of the natives at the hands of civilized people. Whereas many rights are priceless, no one doubts the importance of freedom. To have that taken away from you in the most inhumane manner by people you were hospitable and generous to must be soul crashing. The passage of this information for posterity is done selectively, with the indelible marks left on the natives left out. In conclusion, this makes me think that the narration of stories by ‘conquerors’ offers a lopsided account of the happenings, leaving out essential information.
References
Plaid, A., & Shmidheiser, K. (2010). The Plaid Avenger's world: The Hong Kong street fighter edition. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company
Zinn, H. (2010). A people's history of the United States. New York: Harper Perennial.
