The controversy over Kit Carson was primarily about which of the following?

The debate surrounding Kit Carson often centers on his complex relationship with the Navajo people. This involves examining his role during the U.S. government's campaign against the Navajos in the mid-19th century, which culminated in the Long Walk, a forced relocation that had devastating effects on the Navajo community. While Carson is sometimes portrayed as a hero for his frontier exploits and contributions to American westward expansion, his actions against the Navajos have led to significant controversy. His role can be viewed as one of betrayal or as a difficult stance taken as a soldier fulfilling orders from the U.S. government.

Thus, the crux of the controversy lies in whether Carson is seen as a friend who sought to protect or help the Navajo or as a foe who participated in their displacement and suffering. This dichotomy encapsulates broader themes of colonialism, cultural conflict, and the intricate relationships between different groups in New Mexico history, thereby making this aspect of Carson's legacy particularly significant and debated.