Hero or Villain? For years, people have celebrated a holiday called Columbus Day. Yet, others have debated that this man, Christopher Columbus, should not have a holiday for himself. In the eyes of many, he is the hero who discovered America. Yet, others see him as a villain who committed genocide. Through it all, Columbus should be better known as a hero. Columbus is a hero who “discovered” the United States for the civilized world to see, and whose actions were justified, because of the time period he lived in. In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue with the Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria, which led to one of the biggest discoveries that changed the world. As Michael Berliner said, “This does not mean that no human eye had been cast on America before Columbus arrived. It does mean that Columbus brought America to the attention of the civilized world.” (Berliner). Before 1492, the United States was undeveloped and sparsely inhabited. There was no growth in the civilization for thousand of years. “It was Columbus’ discovery for Western Europe that led to the influx of ideas and people on which this nation was founded and of which it still rests.” (Berliner). If it wasn’t for Columbus, the United States or the world would not be the way it is now. As Daniel J. Flynn stated, “Other than Christ, it is difficult to name a person who has changed the world as dramatically as Columbus has.” (Flynn.). Columbus discovered America for the world to see. Society in 1492 is different from society today. As Flynn stated, “Enslavement and cultural conquest are common.” (Flynn). During Columbus’s time, slavery was accepted. Even the Founding Fathers of the United States had slaves and this was 300 years after Columbus. Benjamin Franklin had slaves. George Washington had slaves. However, our Founding Fathers don’t get as much criticism as Columbus does for slavery. Public perception of slavery has changed over the years. The public should not punish or judge Columbus for actions he made during his time. This does not mean that we should condemn slavery, but his actions were accepted during his time. We