When the English settled this land they encountered many new things, one of which being the Native American culture. They saw this culture as strange and barbaric, mainly because it was nothing like their own. So, in true English ideals of the time they tried to changed these peoples way of life; just like they did in Ireland years before. The English settlers in both of these instances felt that if they had their way, and made these changes it would better suit the existing cultures chance of survival. The irony is, that both these cultures survived for hundreds of years before the English even interceded.
Going back to the aforementioned statement about early education on the topic it wasn't until much later that I was taught about what truly happened. I think this is a huge problem. We start teaching younger generations this notion of Americans have always done what they want, when they want. And, they are not filled in on the consequences of decisions made. For instance, I was unaware of Thomas Jefferson's stance and attitude toward the Native Americans until i read about it in this class. Which is strange since I have always been into American History, but mainly that which centers around war and international conflict. But I think I should have at least heard a blip about Jefferson's thoughts toward Native Americans. We harold this man as an icon of our country, as a founding father. His ideals of freedom and equality are some of which we center our government around today. Where were these ideals when it came to the natives?
One way I like to think about this when ever the topic is brought up is to put myself in the shoes of both parties and try and see how I would have felt. If I were an English settler who brought over change, sickness, and death I think it would have given the Native Americans a pretty good reason to become a bit aggressive toward me. I know today if someone came into my house and tried to change things there would definitely be some issues. Also, what if the rolls were reversed? If someone else decided to come into England and colonize them, change there way of life, I find it very hard to believe that the English would sit by and let it happen. Much like the Native Americans weren't going to just let their way of life be changed. We all obviously now know what happens from here. The English move in and annihilate entire Native American populations with violence and disease. The natives are forced from there lands and made to change the way they live.
In today's society we can see this happening between the United States and the Middle East. Although it has not gone as far as colonization, both sides are trying to implement there way of life onto the other. The prime example here is the United States' take over and governmental change of Iraq. These actions were taken because of terrorist attacks on the US. After which the people of the US began to stereotype all Middle Eastern people as terrorists. There were instances where it didn't matter if they were from Persia, India, or any other country dominated by Muslim or Islam. They were considered a terrorist by some. Even if they had lived in the US all there lives.
In conclusion it is no wonder why some countries find the United States as the "big bully." Ever since we came over to this continent we've tried to implement our ways, and try and prove they are so much better than what is already in place. Don't get me wrong, a lot if not most of the time we try and make changes for the better. It's the manner we go about making those changes that can sometimes be suspect.
You make a great point when you mention the fact that we rarely learn the truth about how the Indians were treated by the English settlers. Or, we learn how they're treated, but, as we've read, it is seen as okay, since the Natives were “savage,” right? That's how I remember it. It's the same way when we learn about Christopher Columbus. He was a hero, a good guy, who “discovered” America. We don't learn about the questionable things that happened when he arrived in the Americas, such as the treatment that the Natives received from the Spaniards, or the fact that Columbus died before it was realized that it was America where he'd landed, and not India, as he'd originally thought. Isn't it interesting how easily the real story is kept out of the educational system? Anyway, yes, I agree with you on this – All of the negative we hear is about the Natives, never about the colonizers. And, as you've said, we don't learn about what truly happened until much later in our lives. In fact, I feel that many people never really do find out. I, for instance, know now what really happened during the conquest because of the classes I've chosen to take in college. But what about the people that haven't taken these classes or haven't gone to college? What about the people that still don't know? You said that it's a problem that we don't find these things out until we are older, but it's an even bigger problem that some people never truly understand America's real history. And for those of us that do know, it seems that it is okay to turn a blind eye to what is true.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you (and if you've read my post, you'll see this) on what you've said about the English settlers viewing their own culture as better, and the culture of the Natives as inferior. As a result, as you've pointed out, they tried to change the Native culture so that it would reflect their own, and therefore be better. Interesting, as you've also pointed out, that these Native peoples were getting along just fine for years before the English arrived. The trouble didn't start until they tried to change things. It's sad that just because the Native culture was so different, it was seen as inferior. I feel that we still see that in today's society: trying to improve things that don't need to be improved!
You said that you'd never heard anything about Thomas Jefferson's attitude toward Native Americans. Neither had I. I believe that this says something about the education we've received. To me, it says that this bit is not important enough to teach...so what does that say about American History? Hmmmm... To quote your thoughts on Jefferson, “His ideals of freedom and equality are some of which we center our government around today. Where were these ideals when it came to the natives?” GOOD QUESTION! Maybe he only wanted freedom and equality for those that met his standards...
You have some really intelligent things to say, like the part about putting yourself in each side's shoes. It's an interesting idea to consider.
One more thing...you said that both the US and Middle Eastern countries are trying to implement one another's way of life onto the other. Are you sure? To me it seems that it's just the US trying to interfere with business in Iraq. I feel that, in that way, the English conquest in America is mirrored – One people arriving in the country of another in order to impose their own ideals. I feel that it pretty much went one way back then, and seems to be the same now...I mean, when was the last time you had someone trying to shove the Muslim religion down your throat or trying to tell you that communism should be the future of the US? Like you said, it's no wonder the US is seen as the “big bully...”
I feel that I've likely rambled some (well, a lot...), but I get really passionate about this stuff!
I also agree that people around the world percieve the United States as a "big bully" and I totally agree with that. The Unites States always goes into other countries and tries to change their way of life... I feel like all of the fighting and bickering and stuff begins with religion tho. It is so sad that the muslim religion is so strong that they beleive that it is still ok to kill and massacre people (like on 9-11). I beleive that we should fight back and get the terrorists, but not go and try to change their way of life. It seems like America needs to do a little bit of growing up to me...
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t agree with your blog more. I felt the same way as I was reading our text. I tried to put myself in the British shoes throughout their conquest and found myself still siding with the Indians. Again, I just don’t see how the British just thought they could just take over land that has truly been proclaimed by the Indians. The Indians had every right to fight for the land that they worked so hard at establishing.
ReplyDeleteWhen talking about Thomas Jefferson stance on the Indians, I to was not aware of his disliking of the Indians. Maybe I fell asleep in that part of American History. I find it very disturbing that our early education system and US History text makes sure that we know that the Indians were known as “savages” but don’t tell us why.
After reading your blog I can honestly say that the paragraph talking about being in someone else's shoes really made me think for a moment because when growing up I never paused to even think how the Native Americans felt during the time. Similar to what you said in your post, in schools we are not taught the real truth regarding the Native Americans. Instead, we sugarcoat the topic and make the settlers the hero's in our stories when clearly they do not show much of that. Our schools want us to be proud of our country and it is truly sad that we are not taught the truth of how our country was founded. Yes we know settlers came but I do not remember ever hearing about the treatment of the Indians until High School at the very least. Even then we did not spend much time on it and now that I'm taking these courses and sitting down to truly understand what's going on, I see your point and many others as to why we need to incorporate a stronger sense of education regarding this issue. It is not fair to just ignore it anymore.
ReplyDeleteTHe beginning of your essay was the part I enjoyed the most. reflecting on my days in elementary school was fun for a moment, but then I realized I had to get back to the real world and write a comment on your blog. You had a keen observation about the one sided teachings of American history, and how negative effects of British colonization were not prominent in the teachings. This is an excellent observation.
ReplyDeleteI like your point about seeing it happen between the united states and the middle east, especially with the United States attempts to take over the Iraq government.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your story about your early education and learning of Thanksgiving. I have had similar experience, and until this year, upon taking this class (along with cultural pluralism), I just assumed that the pilgrims and native americans were getting along just fine. In my mind, Disney's Pocohauntus was the closest thing I ever came to an actual history lesson before this class. I also agree that it is to our discredit that we are teaching our students this story and not fully weighing the pros and cons of both cultures. We're simply teaching what we WANT to teach as opposed as what we NEED to teach, and thus the change of racism in our nation continues. I also liked your discussion of the US/Middle East citizens and their predicament living in this nation post 9/11. You'd think that in this day and age we wouldn't turn on our neighbors...we've come a long way, but we have a longer way still before we'll ever reach our goal of a race-blind nation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you are saying. Reading Takaki makes me feel as if what I was taught in elementary is pointless. Why teach something that is inaccurate and the moment you arrive in college it is discredited. To me I would prefer that things that are taught in college be taught earlier. Much of the problems seen in children are due to what they are surrounding by in the media and what they learn from others. Being a mother I see how important it is to teach the true and to help them understand right from wrong from a humanity oriented stance. Going by morals is one things but it is ethically to remember that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and cultures so to judge someone for not being of the same is wrong. To me the US is constantly claiming how we are right and how countries need us and etc. but in reality the world needs each other we use each other as resources and forget that. It is not until we are in trouble that we consider others to be equal or of value and that is wrong
ReplyDeleteGood way to start out with a little thanksgiving love, great holiday with great food. Also how America does try to go into other countries and turn their governments into a democracy. But i dont see how the middle east is trying to implement their way of life onto us.
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