What's with everybody always trying to get rid of the Indians?" I said, not really asking for an answer. I thought again of the history-book pictures. Astronomers and brain surgeons. They should have done brain surgery on Columbus while they had the chance."
The quote reflects a deep frustration regarding the historical treatment of Indigenous peoples in America. The speaker questions the persistent efforts to marginalize and push out Native Americans, illustrating a sense of disbelief about society's actions throughout history. This sentiment highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities and critiques the lack of accountability and understanding of their historical significance.
The mention of "astronomers and brain surgeons" sarcastically suggests that instead of exploring new lands, those involved in colonization could have benefited from critical thinking and empathy. By implying that Columbus deserved a different fate, the speaker signals a recognition of the flaws in historical exploration ideologies, emphasizing a need to rethink and address past injustices against Indigenous cultures.
