christopher columbus didn t discover america
Christopher Columbus is often credited with discovering America in 1492, but this widely accepted narrative is not entirely accurate. While Columbus did make four voyages to the Americas, he was not the first European to reach these lands. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that other explorers, such as Viking Leif Erikson and Chinese admiral Zheng He, had already reached the Americas before Columbus. So why is Columbus so often celebrated as the discoverer of America? And why is it important to challenge this narrative?
To begin with, it is important to acknowledge the context in which Columbus made his voyages. In the late 15th century, Europe was experiencing a resurgence of interest in exploration and trade. European powers were competing for control of new trade routes and resources, and the promise of great wealth and glory motivated explorers to embark on dangerous journeys. Columbus, an Italian navigator, was one of these explorers, and he set out to find a new route to Asia by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean.
On August 3, 1492, Columbus set sail from Spain with three ships: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. After a long and treacherous journey, the crew sighted land on October 12. Columbus claimed the land for Spain and named it San Salvador, believing he had reached the East Indies. He then went on to explore other islands in the Caribbean, including Cuba and Hispaniola (present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic). On his subsequent voyages, Columbus also explored the coasts of Central and South America.
Columbus’ voyages were undoubtedly significant, as they opened up a new era of European exploration and colonization in the Americas. However, the idea that he “discovered” America is problematic for several reasons. Firstly, Columbus was not the first person to reach the Americas. As mentioned earlier, there is evidence to suggest that the Vikings and Chinese had already explored these lands before Columbus. Additionally, the Americas were already inhabited by indigenous peoples who had been living there for thousands of years. To claim that Columbus discovered America erases the rich and complex history of these indigenous communities.
Moreover, Columbus’ voyages were not the result of his own brilliance or ingenuity. He was not the first person to come up with the idea of sailing west to reach Asia. In fact, many scholars believe that Columbus was inspired by the travels of Marco Polo, who had described the riches of Asia in his book The Travels of Marco Polo. Additionally, Columbus had access to geographical information and maps that had been compiled by other explorers, including the Portuguese, who had already established trading posts in West Africa. Therefore, Columbus’ voyages were not a groundbreaking achievement, but rather a continuation of existing knowledge and practices.
It is also worth noting that Columbus’ voyages had negative consequences for the indigenous peoples of the Americas. The arrival of Europeans brought about the spread of diseases, such as smallpox, which decimated the indigenous populations. The Europeans also imposed their culture, religion, and systems of governance on these communities, often through violence and force. This resulted in the displacement and marginalization of indigenous peoples, who continue to face discrimination and oppression to this day. To celebrate Columbus as the discoverer of America without acknowledging these atrocities is a gross oversimplification of history.
Despite these facts, Columbus’ legacy is still celebrated in many parts of the world. In the United States, Columbus Day is a federal holiday that commemorates the anniversary of his arrival in the Americas. However, there has been a growing movement to challenge this celebration and to instead recognize the contributions and resilience of indigenous peoples. In recent years, many cities and states in the US have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which honors and celebrates the diverse cultures and histories of Native American communities.
Furthermore, the idea of Columbus as the discoverer of America is deeply rooted in a Eurocentric view of history. This narrative perpetuates the belief that European culture and civilization are superior to all others, and that the Americas were “empty” before Columbus’ arrival. This ignores the fact that indigenous peoples had thriving societies with their own complex systems of governance, trade, and culture. By celebrating Columbus as the discoverer of America, we continue to uphold this harmful and false narrative.
In conclusion, while Christopher Columbus did make significant voyages to the Americas, he did not discover America. The concept of discovery itself is flawed, as it implies that the land was empty and waiting to be claimed by Europeans. This ignores the vast and rich history of the indigenous peoples who had been living in the Americas for thousands of years. It is time to challenge the dominant narrative and recognize the complex and diverse histories of the Americas, which go far beyond the story of Columbus’ arrival. Let us instead celebrate the resilience and contributions of indigenous peoples, and work towards a more inclusive and accurate understanding of history.
scary kids movies
When it comes to the world of cinema, there are few things more iconic than a scary movie. From the spine-chilling music to the jump scares and terrifying creatures, scary movies have been keeping audiences on the edge of their seats for decades. However, while most people associate scary movies with adults, there is a whole genre of films that are specifically made for kids. These movies are often less intense than their adult counterparts, but they still manage to evoke a sense of fear and mystery that captivates young viewers. In this article, we’ll be exploring the world of scary kids movies, discussing their history, impact, and some of the most popular titles in the genre.
Before we dive into the world of scary kids movies, let’s first define what exactly we mean by this term. Scary kids movies are films that are specifically made for children, usually between the ages of 5-12, that contain elements of horror, suspense, or the supernatural. These movies often have a lighter tone and less intense scares than traditional horror films, but they still manage to send shivers down the spines of young viewers. Some examples of popular scary kids movies include “Coraline,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and “Goosebumps.”
The concept of scary kids movies is not a new one. In fact, these types of films have been around since the early days of cinema. One of the earliest examples of a scary kids movie is the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz.” While not traditionally considered a horror film, the movie features many elements that could be considered scary for young viewers, such as the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that scary kids movies truly became a defined genre.
One of the most influential films in the evolution of scary kids movies is “The Secret of NIMH.” Released in 1982, the animated film tells the story of a group of intelligent rats who must escape from a laboratory where they were experimented on. While the movie is marketed as a family film, it features some dark and frightening scenes, including a showdown between the rats and a menacing owl. “The Secret of NIMH” paved the way for other animated films to explore more mature and scary themes aimed at a younger audience.
Another influential film in the genre is “The Witches,” directed by Nicolas Roeg and based on the book by Roald Dahl. Released in 1990, the movie tells the story of a young boy who discovers a coven of witches planning to turn all children into mice. The film features some truly terrifying moments, including the transformation of the boy into a mouse. “The Witches” was a critical and commercial success, solidifying the idea that kids could handle darker and scarier themes in their movies.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, there was a surge in the production of scary kids movies. This was largely due to the success of the “Goosebumps” and “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” TV series, which were based on the popular horror books for kids. These shows featured a mix of horror, humor, and mystery, and were a hit among young viewers. As a result, many movies based on these books were produced, such as “Goosebumps” and “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.”
One of the most iconic and successful scary kids movies of all time is “Coraline.” Released in 2009 and directed by Henry Selick, the movie tells the story of a young girl who discovers a hidden door in her new home that leads to a parallel world. The film features a mix of stop-motion animation and computer -generated imagery, creating a visually stunning and eerie atmosphere. “Coraline” was praised for its dark and mature themes, while still being accessible to younger viewers.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of scary kids movies, with films such as “The House with a Clock in Its Walls” and “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween” being released. These movies continue to blend horror and humor, and often feature well-known actors such as Jack Black and Cate Blanchett. This trend shows no signs of slowing down, with several upcoming films in the genre, including “The Addams Family” and “The Witches” remake.
So why are scary kids movies so popular? One reason could be that kids are naturally drawn to the unknown and mysterious. These films allow them to explore and confront their fears in a safe and controlled environment. Additionally, scary kids movies often have a moral or lesson at their core, teaching children important values while also entertaining them. For example, “Coraline” explores the consequences of wanting something too much, while “The House with a Clock in Its Walls” teaches the importance of family and friendship.
Furthermore, scary kids movies have the ability to appeal to a wide audience. Adults can also enjoy these films for their clever storytelling, stunning visuals, and nostalgic nods to their own childhood. This crossover appeal has helped make scary kids movies a successful and enduring genre.
However, it’s important to note that not all scary kids movies are created equal. Some movies may be too intense or frightening for younger viewers, and it’s important for parents to research and monitor what their children are watching. Additionally, some critics have raised concerns about the potential negative effects of exposing children to scary content at a young age. It’s important for parents to have open discussions with their children about what they are watching and to provide support and reassurance if needed.
In conclusion, scary kids movies have been a staple in the world of cinema for decades. They allow children to explore their fears in a safe and controlled environment, while also entertaining and teaching valuable lessons. From the early days of cinema to the present, these films have evolved and continue to captivate young audiences. So if you’re in the mood for some spooky fun, don’t be afraid to give a scary kids movie a try. Just make sure to leave the lights on and have a cozy blanket nearby.
can i block websites on chrome
Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers used by millions of people worldwide. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, it has become the go-to choice for internet browsing. However, with the increasing use of the internet, there has also been a rise in the number of distracting and potentially harmful websites. These websites can disrupt our work and productivity, especially for students and employees. Fortunately, Chrome offers a solution to this problem by allowing users to block websites . In this article, we will discuss in detail about how to block websites on Chrome and its benefits.
What are the reasons for blocking websites on Chrome?
There are several reasons why someone might want to block websites on Chrome. Let’s take a look at some of the common reasons:
1. To increase productivity: We live in a world where distractions are everywhere, especially on the internet. Social media, online games, and other entertaining websites can easily divert our attention and make us lose track of time. By blocking these websites on Chrome, we can limit our access and focus on important tasks, thus increasing productivity.
2. To protect children: The internet is a vast and often unregulated space, with many websites containing inappropriate content for children. By blocking such websites on Chrome, parents can ensure a safer online experience for their children.
3. To improve security: Visiting certain websites can pose a threat to our online security. These websites can contain malicious software, viruses, or phishing scams. By blocking these websites on Chrome, we can protect our devices from potential harm.
4. To reduce data usage: Some websites contain heavy graphics and videos that consume a significant amount of data. By blocking these websites on Chrome, users can save data and reduce their internet bills.
How to block websites on Chrome?
Now that we know why blocking websites on Chrome is important, let’s learn how to do it. There are a few different methods to block websites on Chrome, and we will discuss each of them in detail.
1. Using the Chrome Web Store: The Chrome Web Store offers various extensions that can help block websites. These extensions are easy to install and can be found by searching for “website blocker” in the search bar. Once you find a suitable extension, click on “Add to Chrome” to install it. After installation, the extension will appear on the top right corner of the browser, and you can use it to block websites of your choice.
2. Using the Block Site extension: This is a popular extension that allows users to block websites on Chrome. It offers a user-friendly interface and allows users to set a timer for blocking websites, making it a great choice for productivity purposes. To use this extension, follow these steps:
a. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “Block Site” in the search bar.
b. Click on “Add to Chrome” to install the extension.
c. Once installed, click on the extension icon on the top right corner of the browser.
d. In the options menu, click on “Block Sites” and add the websites you want to block.
e. You can also set a timer for when the websites will be blocked and when they will be accessible again.
3. Using the “Block Site” feature on Chrome: Chrome also offers a built-in feature to block websites without the need for any extensions. To use this feature, follow these steps:
a. Open the Chrome browser and go to the website you want to block.
b. Right-click on the page and select “Block Site” from the drop-down menu.
c. A pop-up will appear, click on “Add” to confirm the blocking of the website.
d. You can also access the “Block Site” feature by going to Chrome settings > Advanced > Site Settings > Blocked.
e. Here, you can add websites to the blocked list and manage the blocked sites.
4. Using the Hosts file: Another way to block websites on Chrome is by using the Hosts file. This method involves making changes to the system’s Hosts file, which contains a list of IP addresses and their corresponding hostnames. By adding a website’s IP address to the Hosts file, we can prevent Chrome from accessing it. However, this method requires some technical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners. It is also worth noting that this method will block the website on all browsers, not just on Chrome.
Benefits of blocking websites on Chrome:
Now that we know how to block websites on Chrome, let’s discuss its benefits in detail:
1. Increased productivity: As mentioned earlier, blocking distracting websites on Chrome can help increase productivity. By limiting our access to these websites, we can focus better on our work and achieve more in less time.
2. Improved security: By blocking potentially harmful websites on Chrome, we can protect our devices from viruses, malware, and other online threats. This is especially important for those who handle sensitive information on their devices.
3. Better time management: Blocking certain websites on Chrome can help us manage our time better. By setting a timer for when the websites will be blocked, we can ensure that we are using our time effectively and not wasting it on unproductive activities.
4. Safer browsing for children: As mentioned earlier, blocking inappropriate websites on Chrome can make the internet a safer place for children. Parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are not accessing harmful content online.
5. Reduced data usage: Blocking data-heavy websites on Chrome can help us save data and reduce our internet bills. This is especially useful for those on limited data plans.
In conclusion, the ability to block websites on Chrome is a useful feature that offers numerous benefits. By following the methods discussed in this article, users can easily block websites on Chrome and improve their internet browsing experience. Whether it’s for increased productivity or better online security, blocking websites on Chrome can help users achieve their goals and make the most of their time online.