Difference between revisions of "325--Week 2 Questions/Comments"
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I found the subject of European, in particular the English, superiority in the first reading section interesting. I have done more research on the settlement of Latin America and saw many differences and similarities between the two. In William Wood’s excerpt, he describes the Indians as being lazy and “fettered in the chains of idleness.” He believed that with the addition of English aid and modeling, the Indians would be “more industrious.” The lazy attributes of the Indians were described in Latin American sources as well. One thing I do not believe they mention in the readings is slavery. How did slavery play a part in the colonization and the technological advancements or changes of North America? | I found the subject of European, in particular the English, superiority in the first reading section interesting. I have done more research on the settlement of Latin America and saw many differences and similarities between the two. In William Wood’s excerpt, he describes the Indians as being lazy and “fettered in the chains of idleness.” He believed that with the addition of English aid and modeling, the Indians would be “more industrious.” The lazy attributes of the Indians were described in Latin American sources as well. One thing I do not believe they mention in the readings is slavery. How did slavery play a part in the colonization and the technological advancements or changes of North America? | ||
Playing off that and Karen’s comment, there is also no mention of racial differences between the Europeans and the Native Americans. Although it may not have been considered an important addition to this book, I believe that those differences drive advancements in various cultures. Religious differences are mentioned, but only to show the Indians becoming more European and “cured” of superstitions (p. 30). I also find it interesting that the differences are not mentioned in Karen Kupperman’s essay. I just feel that the Europeans obviously found themselves superior and were not going to admit the whole extent to which the Indians improved their technology.- Kirsten Walleck | Playing off that and Karen’s comment, there is also no mention of racial differences between the Europeans and the Native Americans. Although it may not have been considered an important addition to this book, I believe that those differences drive advancements in various cultures. Religious differences are mentioned, but only to show the Indians becoming more European and “cured” of superstitions (p. 30). I also find it interesting that the differences are not mentioned in Karen Kupperman’s essay. I just feel that the Europeans obviously found themselves superior and were not going to admit the whole extent to which the Indians improved their technology.- Kirsten Walleck | ||
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| + | I was absolutely fascinated with the fact that Native Americans seemed to value and appreciate technology more so than their colonial counterparts. In Governor Nicholas Denys on the Micmac, the Native Americans were said to give up valuable furs and robes in exchange for relatively simple European technology. While, I am not surprised that colonists took advantage of them, but my interest came from the Native American satisfaction with these transactions. This account provides a unique account of the Western "fascination and fast paced adoption of ingenuity"'s independent presence in a culture rooted in much different values. I think it speaks to technology as a part of the human condition -Adam Shlossman | ||
I think Religion is an important part as Kirsten mentioned - particularly the burial tradition described in _____. I think it is important to notice the superiority complex that the English had in all aspects of life - religion, technology, civilization, etc. Something that I felt came through in most of these first readings is that there is a clear correlation (at least to the authors of these pieces) between modern technology and civilized society. The "savages" had intricate old methods of carving out a canoe that worked perfectly well for them. The english clearly looked down on these boats and "could scarcely sit without a fearful tottering." Overall - it seemed apparent that (in the eyes of the english) the english were new, good, and civilized, while the indians were simply outdated and silly in their ways. --Elle W | I think Religion is an important part as Kirsten mentioned - particularly the burial tradition described in _____. I think it is important to notice the superiority complex that the English had in all aspects of life - religion, technology, civilization, etc. Something that I felt came through in most of these first readings is that there is a clear correlation (at least to the authors of these pieces) between modern technology and civilized society. The "savages" had intricate old methods of carving out a canoe that worked perfectly well for them. The english clearly looked down on these boats and "could scarcely sit without a fearful tottering." Overall - it seemed apparent that (in the eyes of the english) the english were new, good, and civilized, while the indians were simply outdated and silly in their ways. --Elle W | ||
