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Cheers For Colonialism

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In the work by Howard Zinn, “Columbus, The Indians, and Human Progress”; and, Dinesh D’Souza’s, “Two Cheers for Colonialism”, there is a difference between the two authors perspectives of the subject. The subject being, how far is too far when it comes to the progress of the human race; and, what justifies it. Bother differing in intended audience, though with the purpose of educating. While, both pieces were written around the same time, in the late 20th century. Howard Zinn’s work is directed towards a more conservative audience; at the time, his work was very controversial for its content around the arrival of Columbus in America. The Arawaks who were the first natives seen by the European eye; were a peaceful people. Howard Zinn stated, “ When Columbus and his sailors came ashore, carrying swords, speaking oddly, the Arawaks ran to greet them, brought them food, brought them food, water, gifts.” It is inferred from here that these natives were a kind people. Howard’s argument is, “Columbus was not coming into empty wilderness but a densely populated …show more content…

His audience is those who believe America is the Greatest place in the World; at the time, around 2002, there was a lot of fear and doubt in the nation. Which adds to the author's purpose, to show people America is greater than ever. D’Souza makes the controversial point of, “Colonialism and imperialism are not the cause for success but instead a result”, which those who believe America is the result of “bullying others out of resources”, is very off-putting. D’Souza is making the argument, “The West did not succeed due to bullying others or stealing goods, but were driven by the desire for the power that fueled it.” His tone was very optimistic, he believed that contrary to belief, human progress was going up not down; the best is in front of us not

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