An Voyage Into Columbus's Subjectivity - 09/16/26

    Columbus is an increasingly controversial figure in modern discussions of history and colonialism.  We often rationalize his actions by understanding his voyage as duty to his state.  However, this notion is unravelled in The Voyage of Christopher Columbus translated by John Cummins, whereupon Columbus's 'holier-than-thou' subjectivity is revealed.  

    A note on translation: This book is described as a "hodge-podge" of different biographies written in a myriad of different tenses, by individuals of various familiarities to Columbus.  Cummins explains that he referenced these works to produce a functional and entertaining translation, without skewing far from Columbus's original voice.  Since I will be discussing the nature of Columbus's thoughts, feelings, and judgement, it is crucial to note that we cannot know he felt this way for certain.  However, we can deduce his subjectivity from his actions shown repeatedly in the text.

    Columbus displays his perceived self-importance in the first entry of text, stating "[y]our Majesties, being Catholic Christians and rulers devoted to the Holy Christian Faith...decided to send me, Christopher Columbus, to those lands of India to meet their rulers...and to find out in what manner they might be converted to our Holy Faith" (81), disregarding that his mission could never be solitary.  He appears to have a limited view of his crew's competence to perform without his expertise, ending this log with "I must have no regard for sleep" (82).  This superiority over others persists throughout the text, highlighting his self-righteous behaviour.  As the voyage creeps up in leagues, Columbus would mislead his fellow seamen by telling them lower figures of distance.  He believed they were already tired, and the further they drifted from Spain, the more restless they would become.  The voyage's miles traveled and speed are constantly mentioned, and every time Columbus states that he keeps the real numbers to himself.  Not only does he see himself as superior to the native peoples, but also to his own crew.  

    Columbus's self righteousness continues with the natives, and his feelings and judgments towards them expose his own greed and desire for power.  Religion is frequently mentioned in Columbus's entires.  It is used to justify the trip, but also to paint himself as a religious figure of sorts.  He takes it upon himself to motivate his men by speaking on "the Grace of God" (93), and later, forcing the natives to take part in Catholic ritual (making the sign of the cross, holding hands up to God, ect.).  He first describes the native islanders as poor but "fine bodied" and intelligent (94), believing they would easily become Christians.  This notion alters over time as Columbus sees the land as fertile and ripe with economic opportunity.  He begins to describe spots for harbors, discussing the natural environment's potential rather than it's inhabitants' future religion.  This reaches a pinnacle when he describes natives as "timid...so they could easily be commanded to...build towns" (139), essentially devolving to plans of enslavement. 

   Columbus describes his custom towards the native people as "treating them honorably" (137), and he does not intend to directly produce malice on any one community, but his writing shows clear ill intent.  He talks openly about taking advantage of trade and imprisoning people, but he would never have the gall of calling them "unintelligent".  This moral superiority is the root of his justification, allowing him to act with importance and without guilt. 

Question:  What are some instances in popular culture where we see Columbus-like subjectivity glorified today?