When reading Rowlandson today I wondered about the "bloodthirsty" among us, today and also throughout history. I wonder if, when your culture celebrates the brutal butchering and torture of a perceived foe, if then there is also a high rate of murder among your own...like if you want a problem solved, you just slay the problem.
Looking back in history of the 16-19th centuries and American dealings with the Indians, there seem to be peaceful natives as well ans bloodthirsty. If you remember, the Trail of Tears was executed in total peace, and those natives HAD to have wanted to kill those who were making them move. And even afterwards, when they had lost so much and were organized again, they HAD to have wanted to seek some sort of revenge. I suppose there was no way of knowing if they were horribly outmanned and outmunitioned, etc. but it just seems to me they would have wanted to kill.
Right here in Dayton, the Great Tecumseh (I think he was a Shawnee or a Miami) did just about everything he could to protect his people and other natives, but every now and then he would gather the troops and go on the warpath. And yet he was very intelligent and thoughtful about the entire situation...he was willing to let the settlers live here, just not on his lands. He had faith in treaty after treaty, only to see one after another broken by politicians in Washington.
If you get a chance, read his eloquent speech...the one he gives to his "brothers" (I don't have my book...look in the index under "Tecumseh" and the speech is there). If you read it, you will see a litany of wrongs and finally, a decision to take action. Obviously, this was not a man with a short fuse or a lack of respect for humans.
Tecumseh's brother, sounds like "Cheek-sicca," was killed right at the corner of Monument and either Ludlow or Perry Streets. Tecumseh himself was killed during the War of 1812 at Thames, (Canada or Michigan). He was well-respected...there is a stunning statue of him lying in death at the Smithsonian.
And apparently, the "new" Americans put up with a lot and decided this country was worth it somehow. When I moved to my neighborhood, I was not constantly afraid that I would be butchered in the middle of the night by a "wild" people. I am not constantly wondering what country will take over my homeland. I certainly never experienced any kind of enemy surrounding my house and killing my family right in front of me. I doubt I would have wanted to stay here after any of those things occurred.
There is still time to read Shakepeare in the marathon which begins this weekend. If you can't or don't want to do it, maybe you work somewhere which would donate a gift card or food or something...they are using restaurant certificates to feed the participants and they have a silent auction, etc for the gift cards which do not involve food. they are taking ANYTHING...this is fundraiser for cancer.
Just look up "Free Shakespeare" and you should be able to find out how to participate or donate. I am going to do it (read) and I am looking forward to it! Happy Fall!!! Julie
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