People hate Christopher Columbus primarily because of his role in initiating the violent European colonization of the Americas, which led to mass genocide, slavery, and exploitation of Indigenous peoples. Columbus enslaved, killed, and brutalized native populations, particularly the Taíno people in the Caribbean, causing their deaths by violence, forced labor, and introduced diseases. He also contributed to the start of the transatlantic slave trade and caused long-lasting harm to Indigenous cultures and societies. Many critique Columbus not only for his personal acts of cruelty and violence but also for being symbolically linked to the broader legacy of European colonialism that followed his voyages. This includes the displacement, cultural destruction, and systemic oppression of Native American peoples. Columbus is seen as an overrated figure who was not the first to reach the Americas, and his so-called "discovery" disregards the presence and sovereignty of Indigenous populations long before Europeans arrived. The backlash against Columbus is reflected in protests, removal of statues, and movements to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day to honor native histories and cultures rather than celebrate colonial conquest. His legacy is controversial because it glorifies a history of brutality and suppression rather than recognizing the suffering and resilience of Indigenous peoples.