One fact that we must contend with is that America was born through conflict, specifically religious and spiritual conflict between the Native Americans and the Christian colonists such as Jesuits and other Catholics seeking to convert the Natives to Christianity. I think of this early American history as a clash of civilizations, religions, and spiritualities. Each society related to religion and themselves in diverse ways. Somehow the two civilizations could not live together peacefully, resulting in destruction and violence. The Natives had their own spirituality that encompassed their entire way of life and their integration and co-existence with nature and creation. The sacredness of land was foundational to Native culture. The genocide of the American Indians and the taking of the land is the first great conquest of American society along with the original sin of slavery. Americans survived and built their nation through war and violence. Religion played a significant role in the establishment of white supremacy and American identity. While we applaud the greatness of America years later, we cannot forget that the country was built on the backs of blacks and Natives. Religion oftentimes supported the American hegemony and conquest of peoples of color.
Assignment:
Write a 5-pg essay that discusses this clash of civilizations. Was the conquest of the American Indians necessary, legitimate, and/or inevitable (consider all three) given the differences between the European and Native American cultures, spiritualities, and civilizations? Why were the two societies unable to co-exist? How did religion and technology draw a line between the two groups? How should Americans consider this negative aspect of our founding and do we owe a debt to Native American peoples? How do we repay the devastation of Native societies? Please answer all questions in some detail. You may use outside research to reinforce your thesis and set of main arguments.
Due: Wednesday, January 24
FORMAT:
5-page Minimum, Double-Spaced Traditional 11/12 pt. FONTS
No Footnotes; Discretionary Use of Parenthetical Notes/End Notes/Works Cited Page
GRADING CRITERIA:
Thesis/Analysis/Argument/Interpretation
Conceptual Accuracy/Consistency/Coherence/Clarity
Writing Style/Originality/Creativity/Writing Structure
Profundity/Depth/Substance/Relevance