Form groups of 5, choose a recording secretary, time keeper, spokesperson, and someone to keep discussion on topic.

Discuss: 1) How did Columbus perceive Native Americans? Describe the different stages of Columbus’s experience. 2) How do you think Columbus’ perception influenced the way he acted toward natives? 3) Do you think this mode of thinking still exists in the present? Give examples. 4) How can misguided perceptions of other cultures be corrected? Examples.

Tzvetan Todorov Studied the ways in which Columbus classified native Americans when he arrived at Hispaniola (name of the island where the countries of the Dominican Republic and Haiti are located today).

Noble Savage Idea that native peoples are inherently good, in the state of nature. Society corrupts.

Degenerate Savage Image of native peoples as being violent, irrational and untrustworthy.

Christopher Columbus Interpreted native behaviour from his own point of view.

Generalized Reciprocity The exchange of things of equal value that is found when those who exchange do so without expecting an immediate return and without specifying the value of the return.

Ideology of Assimilationism Columbus cannot acknowledge and accept the fundamental differences between his and the natives’ worldview. This ideology served the goals of crusaders: conversion of natives to Christianity.

Ideology of Enslavement Columbus turns to a perspective that sees only difference, and not a common humanity in different peoples. He sees Indians as inferior to him and his culture, and therefore justifies slavery, and treating natives as objects.