Interpretation of Empire

My interpretation of Empire altered as I was presented with information that I had never thought about. Through the discussion of many perspectives, I understand Empire now as a broad concept that is seen through many aspects of life- historical references, business corporations, and even through everyday social interactions. There is one aspect that ties all these concepts together and that is the simple understanding between the dichotomy of the powerholder and the affected people. In addition to this understanding between the exchange of power, I find it very interesting that empire is seen as a psychological necessity and a preferred human construct to the power holder in the situation. The power holder is extremely impermanent in any situation, and this can often lead to ruins- the downfall of an Empire.

The concept of empire is clearly seen through the colonization of Rome by Romulus in 753 BCE. Rome quickly expanded and became the leader of language, architecture, the integration of mythology and ruling, and culture. All of this was done through the various power holders that Rome encountered during their glorious time-Etruscan Kings, a powerful Senate, and almighty Emperors. However, with every empire comes a downfall, and this is experienced in differing magnitudes based on the situation. With Rome, there is a lasting legacy that influences the way we think about empire today.

“The new imperial Roman Empire.” theeventchronicle.com. 06-27-17. http://www.theeventchronicle.com/intel/new-imperial-roman-empire/

The concept of empire can be displayed through the achievement of Christopher Columbus’ apparent founding of the Americas. I was extremely naive to the horrors that surrounded this topic, and every year it would be a venerated topic in my mind since there was a day specifically dedicated to honor this man. However, as I matured, I started to interpret this “gloriousity” as an example that is truly shameful as Columbus’ was the cause of the exploitation of many indigenous people living in the San Salvador territory. From the incidents of innocent rape, mass suicide, kidnapping, and sexual slavery. Columbus’ demand of submission even led him to publicly cut off a Native American’s ear in front of his workers to show that he held authority in every situation. The ruins of his Empire certainly hold no form of legacy as he almost entirely decimated a population of 500,000 Native Americans in Hispaniola to 300. This number is truly astonishing and demonstrates how the conception of power can influence a person’s actions. Columbus is certainly a shameful figure and his achievement of “discovering the Americas” is something truly over appreciated as he was certainly not the first to pursue this. I think that this should be a well-discussed topic as October 8th is specifically dedicated to Columbus, but this day should evolve into a day that honors minorities and all affected by the horrors of Columbus. It’s not a day that should honor an explorer, it’s a day that should teach us a lesson about the abuse of power and Empire.  

Leif Eriksson, a Norse explorer from Iceland, should be given all this glory. It’s absolutely ridiculous that October 8th is dedicated to Columbus, and there is barely any mention of Leif Eriksson’s Day on October 9th.

“Abolish Columbus Day.” openclipart.org. 02-19-18. https://openclipart.org/detail/297033/abolish-columbus-day

-Rubina

Works Cited

• Matthews, Dylan. “9 Reasons Christopher Columbus Was a Murderer, Tyrant, and Scoundrel.” Vox, Vox, 12 Oct. 2015, http://www.vox.com/2014/10/13/6957875/christopher-columbus-murderer-tyrant-scoundrel.