Recently, on October 10, 2016, Christopher Columbus' day was celebrated. Native Americans circulated a video through the internet, where they explained why they didn't think Christopher Columbus' deserved to be the one credited for the discovery of America. According to them, he simply got lost and named them Indians because Columbus though he was in India. In other words, they demonstrated the real meaning of that day, which for them represents evil, ignorance, murder, and so on. I highly recommend watching this video to fully comprehend their point of view.
As to Billy's situation, it was difficult for him to adapt outside of his reservation. He
was discriminated by his teammates, authority, and many more ignorant people. In college, he had no friends because he didn’t share the same beliefs or preferences as most of the students. The scene in the movie that impacted me the most was when all of his teammates were invited by a fraternity, called Theta Sigs, to join them in an activity, where some members of the team could become part of the fraternity. However, Billy was prohibited from being a member of the Theta Sigs because they had a rule that no “Indian boys” were allowed into the fraternity. It was heartbreaking to see how motivated he was to meet new people and the members only cared for a stupid rule that was not even created by them. Often, people judged him for being Native American, instead of seeing the great human being and runner he was.
In the case of Billy Mills, he had the strength to chase his dreams against all odds. Even though, his story was one of success, some minorities, who are being constantly put down by others, don’t run the same fate and end up giving up on their dreams. This movie serves as a motivation to minorities, but also an eye opening experience for people with erroneous perceptions of others. Looks, race, beliefs, among others, shouldn’t be a variable that determines one’s capacity or worth. As the Bible says, treat others, as you would like to be treated.
A short video of the race where the distance runner, Billy Mills, won the 1964 Tokyo Olympics' gold medal.
OMG I saw the video. They were right, Colombus did not discovered their homelnad. He instead implemented by force their own customs. Eventually the Americans started to limit their lands and recolate them tonwhere they wanted, so they began to be segregated. As you mentioned, he was trying to fit in but it was hard for them because the people of the university treated him bad and made this process a difficult one. I liked very much the way you related the movie with the current situation of the Native Americans. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI loved the video. Thank you for sharing it. I admire how those native americans were very expressive against the figure of Christopher Columbus, which is a highly esteemed person throughout many countries. What they are saying is totally true. People were already living in America. Columbus just found out that there were people on a whole different hemisphere of the Earth. Imagine how different American civilizations and history would be if Columbus had never gotten here.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the video! Why didn't Christopher Columbus just stay in Spain honestly. He really caused the worst. On the other hand, it's true that minorities have given up because the pressure is just too much and they don't get to achieve their dreams just like Billy did. We need to end this discrimination and pressure minorities go through.
ReplyDeleteI saw that video a few months ago and found myself agreeing whole-heartedly. Why are we taught that Cristopher Columbus was such a great man while in school? Why do we call it the 'discovery of America' when the Spaniards merely stumbled upon it?
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame, though, that what Billy Mills went through back in the 50's and 60's concerning racial prejudices is what many Native Americans face in this day and age.