Columbus and Other Cannibals: The Wetiko Disease of Exploitation, Imperialism, and Terrorism

Excellent examination of how one part of the human family, with roots in Europe (my part in fact), came to lose touch with the very things that make us human, primarily our compassion and empathy for others. As a retired therapist I have read other accounts dealing with identifying the "psychopathic" nature of Western society and it's leadership, and do find those arguments quite credible. However, it is clear that the genocide committed against Native North Americans, Africans, Australian Aborigines, and the Indigenous peoples of New Zeland, Canada and Central and South America, was NOT carried out by armies of "psychopaths" though such disturbed individuals often hold leadership positions. The carnage was carried out by "normal" white everyday peoples of European origins. Dr. Forbes provides a no nonsense, non-flinching look at that reality and what it means for humanity.

I am an American citizen, retired and live in Antigua, Guatemala. The contrast between the haves (those of European decent) and have nots (those of Indian decent) is striking. And yet, Gallup Pole recently rated Guatemala as the forth HAPPIEST country in the world.I rate this book highly because it does an excellent job in exposing the truth regarding how the white man has been and continues to treat people of color for thousands of years. Amazing how the North American school system has distorted the history. As this book makes clear many of acts of oppression took place then and continue to this day. Better to be aware.

This is exceedingly well written, clear and important. The wetiko critique isvkey for people seeking to uncover the more pernicious pathologies inherent, festering in modern, industrial society. Forbes looks with a human and liberating eye at the legacy of Criminal Columbus and what it has meant generally and specifically, not only for Native American and First Nations peoples, but Africans, Asians and beyond. His work here is key in illuminating patriarchy, sexism and racism, sounding a call for political change and deep cultural transformation. His critique of the presence of African(-American)s in the christian church, a cultural tool, weapon of their oppression is important, challenging and enlightening. The clarion call for us all to look at how wetiko cannibalism has affected us all and our relationship to Mother Earth has been sent out in an unmistakable and undeniable way here.

Forbes thesis is that a growing part of the world is catching the disease of wetiko (cannibalism) subject to continual grasping for more. This was the best description of why indigenous peoples are suffering with no letup in sight, not to mention many other ills. We see this disease in almost all national governments and corporations. And, there is constant pressure to pull more and more people into this mindset. Witness microloan initiatives in India and Africa.For alternatives Forbes recommends three pathways for individuals: following Carlos Castaneda's teachings of Don Juan; non organized Buddhism; and Native American's pre-wetiko life styles. He doesn't say anything about what might help larger organizations.

I enjoyed this book for a variety of reasons. It provided details of facts which were given to me by my father long ago. At the time my school books told a very different story than the educators provided. This book delves deeper into the reasoning behind the motives for the atrocities throughout the various stages of our history and civilization. It even offers a little insight into the meanings of words that I believe, we have been conditioned or infected with. The analysis offers a psychological motive for the subjugation of cultures and b

A very interesting and disturbing history of how we came to be here and what we've done. I think the world would be a better place had the Native Americans won and conquered the invading forces from Europe. It is a bit dry to read though, but definitely worth reading. I also read Dispelling Wetiko which was quite an education on the psychopathy of the capitalist system.and those who benefit from it and those who justify it.

A very interesting perspective and one that makes a lot of sense. Men seek to control their world without thought to the consequences. Those consequences being the repetition of that desire to control other's for personal benefit. It's Greed related sure but it's also quite CRAZY. Support those Egos at your own expense. The way we live is not how we were meant to live.

Many will most likely not like reading this book because it may conflict with the "good" image they choose to imagine in regard to the United States, the actions of its leaders and such. That said it gives clear indications of why so many are experiencing stress and many elements of family, and neighborhoods tend to fall apart. There is a lot of reading between the lines that one could do in applying the insights provided in the pages of this book.

It's a very informative book, especially for those Westerners who are new to the real history as opposed to the one learnt from school textbooks. Just for the change (and expansion) of mind, such people must read this book.But I must say that it's a little bit one-sided, since it portrays native Americans as totally peaceful before the white invasion, but that's not entirely correct as some native tribes were known for their battles and cruelties. Some scientific evidence references can be gotten from this source: http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/cross-check/thanksgiving-guilt-trip-how-warlike-were-native-americans-before-europeans-arrived/. Quoting from the website:"Native Americans definitely waged war long before Europeans showed up. The evidence is especially strong in the American Southwest, where archaeologists have found numerous skeletons with projectile points embedded in them and other marks of violence; war seems to have surged during periods of drought. But scientists such as Pinker, Keeley and LeBlanc have replaced the myth of the noble savage with the myth of the savage savage."When digging deep into the history (a great though a little disturbing book about it is Saharasia: http://amzn.to/1JO8Wxe) one finds that most ancient peoples were warlike. Except for the disappearing Efe Pygmies (http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/ushanda_io_elima.html) I'm doubting there are or were many non-violent tribes.

I loved reading this book, it shows that black people are not the only ones to suffer from the other European oppressors because they love to hide the truth from us all. We all have a story of being one with the planet. This shows we have never been the aggressor regardless of what they've done throughout the world.

Recognizing the shadowparts. Seeing for what it is.

A well written and splendid book from a completely different point of view to the 'normal'. Puts our society in the west in a rather awkward position .... If you want more than you need, that's the start of a sort of insanity .... very challenging!

Great and insightful!