History vs. pre-History

[maldito]

I got into a heated argument with a young Spaniard a few days ago. It started out by him saying that the history in the USA isn't as old as Europe. I told him that as a nation, the USA's history is young but generally speaking, the history of the Americas go way, way back

Comments

[maldito]

Good point, each of these civilizations had their own writing systems. Even in our culture (Kanaka Oiwi) we had petroglyphs as well, but we focused on oral traditions.

I wish I remembered of the destructions that the Spaniards have done. I was so upset w/ this kid, I was fuming behind my ears! But I could only thought what it meant as far as aboriginal Hawaiians were concerned trying to apply my experiences in my argument.

[maldito]

Those are good points, thanks for sharing. I just wish I thought of them at that time, but I was seriously pissed at his ignorant comment.

[chronowulf]

Unfortunately, white people are always gonna try to box us in and make us fit THEIR idealism and way of thinking, but the Native way of life is so inherently different from the European way of life that you just can't do that.
Just because our Native ancestors didn't live the same way that your European ancestors did, doesn't mean that they were less advanced or less happy.

I'm sure our Indigenous relatives in the rainforests are happy enough without our technology. They're holding onto their traditions and their way of life, and I'm proud of them for that. (Of course, WE hold onto our traditions too)

[urocyon_c]

I'm getting sick & tired (my favorite phrase) of encountering people who really feel they are better than us because of their definition of certain words, technology & in their minds as with this guy, feel that history begins from a certain point, and in his case, it begins with writing.

I know what you mean. It's impossible to get away from this, and the folks spouting this kind of thing are trying so hard to convince themselves they're right that they're rarely even interested in other viewpoints. (Hint: if you've got that much to prove, maybe there's something wrong with your assumptions. :-| ) On a similar note, I am getting well and truly sick of people who think "Old World" and "New World" (or even "Eastern" and "Western"--as compared to Rome!) are neutral terms which just describe the way things are. It's all tied up in the same kind of tired old Eurocentric worldview. When people can't even admit to themselves that they're working from certain assumptions there--as we all are!--and that other people's ideas about how things

[maldito]

they're rarely even interested in other viewpoints.

more like from an INDIGENOUS perspective. They think that we're not capable of having a valid viewpoint.

Also, I understand about the different viewpoints, Eurocentric worldview, eastern vs. western, old vs. neworld. I'll check out that link you have too, thanks.

[chronowulf]

I'm glad you agree with my comment! Your post that you linked brings up a lot of interesting points too.

[maldito]

I FINALLY finished reading what you blogged. Thanks so much for sharing. It was exactly what I brought up, and now I realize, it's not uncommon for these idiots to think that our history is less valid than theirs? I shouldn't be surprised really.

[fireboy4plai]

Recent digs in the south east have shown that Spanish explorers who encountered the tribes copied their building techniques and did it badly.

The prehistory debate isn't one to have with someone who feels pity for anyone that doesn't own an iPod.

[maldito]

The prehistory debate isn't one to have with someone who feels pity for anyone that doesn't own an iPod.

hahaha...this makes me feel better.

[fireboy4plai]

It's such a bad standard really. I mean, most skulls predating modern history still have all their teeth, which means they didn't *need* dentists, not that they couldn't figure out what one was. So how this person is judging "better off" seems pretty arbitrary. You're right in arguing that tribesmen in the Amazon aren't stupid. But personally, I've always had trouble with exactly why they should *want* a TV, not why don't they already have one.