1. Every 12 October, Columbus Day is celebrated in America. However, there are some Americans who choose to protest against this celebration. Look at the photo and discuss with your class what these protestors mean with their placards. Some people believe that humankind was improved by the European conquest of North America. They believe that the success of the United States of America as a country and the values it stands for are reasons enough to honour Columbus and 1492. Others consider the conquistadores to be cruel, barbaric and responsible for the almost complete destruction of civilisations and populations. They do not believe that these events should be celebrated.
Fig 6.29 A man holds up an anti-Columbus sign during a Columbus Day Parade in New York City. There is a growing group of people who wish to see the name of the ‘Columbus Day’ holiday changed to ‘Indigenous Peoples Day’.
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(a) With which side of the argument do you agree? (b) Break into small groups. Within your group decide on the reasons for and against the celebration of Columbus Day.
(c) Hold a class debate on ‘Should Columbus Day be celebrated or not?’. EVALUATE
2. Evaluate the impact that the lands conquered by the European countries in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries have on your daily life.
CAUSE AND CONSEQUENCE
3. Consider how the things we eat, wear and consume have an effect on the lives of people in other countries around the world. Do the products that come to Europe have a negative impact on people living in other parts of the world? For more information, look at the Fairtrade website: Search: fairtrade.org – What – is – Fairtrade.