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Date: | Fri, 11 May 2007 12:54:50 -0230 |
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On Fri, 11 May 2007 07:32:33 -0700, qvarizona wrote
> Just curious. How is it possible that of those protesting the
> celebration of Jamestown can completely ignore what went on in this
> area before the Europeans arrived? Are they unaware of
> Wahunsonacock and his conquests?
History doesn't matter to the protesters except as a tool to profit from
being in perpetual outrage over the past. Hype is more important than
accuracy.
North America is not an origin for human populations. It's a destination.
Ultimately we are all an immigrant people who arrived here in a variety of
fashions at different times.
Paleo-archaeological finds such as pre-Clovis flint blades at places such as
Cactus Hill, indicate that there were most likely European
visitors/immigrants (Solutreans) at least a few millennia prior to the Bering
Strait land bridge being a conduit for Asian immigration. Should Eastern
Woodland Indian tribes be castigated for the disappearance of the Solutrean-
American culture? Hardly... However, apparently to some the importance of the
mistakes made by white European colonists far outweigh any positive
achievements that were made. The fact that despite those mistakes, a great
nation was founded is irrelevant. The fact the people can learn from those
mistakes to make things better is also irrelevant. The claims of "whitewash"
is inherently a bigoted statement in itself as it alludes to the race of the
400th anniversary participants.
It is sad that some people take the Jamestown 400th anniversary as an
opportunity to elevate themselves by casting the achievements of people who
came to Virginia with hopes for a better life as a sinister masterplan of
genocide. It's also sad that some people who decry the hate and intolerance
of racism tend to be the purveyors of it.
Fortunately I think that most Virginia Indians and African-Americans have a
more pragmatic view of the 400th and see it as an opportunity to educate the
public on the positive contributions made by their ancestors. I hope their
dignified efforts are not overshadowed by those screaming "genocide"
and "whitewash."
Regards,
Tom A.
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