np Carmenere. Just wanted to spur on some discussion of the book. I did a copy of the last discussion segment concerning Jamestown, etc. I thought it was extremely interesting and you mentioned carrying on the conversation in the Off-Topic Cafe.
________________________________________________________________________________
ABOUT JAMESTOWN:
Librarian wrote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
katknit wrote:
Historically, the emphasis was placed on Plymouth Colony by the Colonial Revivalists in the years around 1900. These people were concerned with building a national mythology and rather than authenticity focused upon idealism and romanticism. Hence the John Smith/Pocahontas story and "I cannot tell a lie" and the like. Plymouth colonies religious goals were felt to be purer and more idealistic than the more mercenary goals of Virginia's merchant adventurers. Never mind that the Pilgrims wanted religious freedom for themselves, but not for those who had other ideas. Also, they ate each other in Jamestown - how to incorporate that into the national creation story? We are still dealing with the effects of the stories chosen as representative during the colonial revival, a much more racist, misogynistic, elitist time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi,
Oh, not to be gross or morbid, but I think the Jametown cannibals would've be a great angle. Survival!, being tough in the face of adversity!. Those are things that Americans are made of. However, I must admit, the cannibal story seemed to be overlooked on the tour. It was mentioned though that the settlers landed during a 3 year drought so food would have been of grave concern.
I've just noticed that Bentley set up a new track called off-line cafe, so I'll take future Jamestown thoughts there. Onward to Plymouth! Carmen
Message Edited by Carmenere_lady on 09-08-2007 07:49 AM
