History Documentaries: Narrative About Zheng He and Narrative of European Explorers

Documentary History
Institutional Affiliation
Course Details
Instructor
Date Of Submission
The video on Zheng He and his voyages presents a narrative emphasizing exploration, diplomacy, and cultural exchange during his expeditions. It portrays Zheng He as a skilled navigator and diplomat who traveled extensively throughout Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, establishing trade networks and promoting peace and understanding among different cultures (BBC Documentary, 2017). The video also highlights the achievements of the Ming dynasty, which sponsored Zheng He's voyages and created a powerful maritime empire.
In contrast, the narrative of European explorers like Columbus, which is often taught in Western schools, tends to focus more on conquest, colonization, and exploitation (Wade, 2015). Columbus is often portrayed as a brave adventurer who discovered the "New World" and paved the way for European expansion and dominance (BBC Documentary, 2017). However, this narrative often downplays or ignores the violence, slavery, and genocide that accompanied the European colonization of the America...