Native American philosophy

The PBS film “We Shall Remain: After the Mayflower” worth to be considered the real revelation of American history. The value of watched documentary is determined by the presented ability to take the inside look at culture, philosophy, religion and customs of native Americans, which were so brutally violated by English settlers at the colonial period. “We Shall Remain: After the Mayflower” is the sequential story of pilgrims assimilation on the new land. It tells us about the process of cultures exchange, which had dramatic influence for American history. Frankly, this is the story of betrayal, human’s greed and lust of power, which gave the raise of modern American society. However, this is our history and it should be remembered.

As it was said above, watched documentary is incredibly valuable to learn the general principles of Native Americans’ philosophy. Let’s outline the main ideas. The first is paganism as the bases of religious beliefs. Thereby, deep interconnections between human and nature are fully explained: “I’m physically land, land is physically me”. The spiritual power of nature’s elements was placed at the top of philosophy. Featured by deep love to native land and nature’s gifts, “The people of the first light” were folks of high moral principles, based on respect and love to surrounding and close people.
Probably, these ideas are more devoted to cultural values. However, it shouldn’t be forgotten that culture is derivative form philosophy. Based on the high moral values community was rather developed in politics and trade, by the standard of uneducated people obviously. It worth being recognized that even under the expose of colonization and postcolonial trends, proud people did not betrayed their principles, what led to war described in the film. “We Shall Remain: After the Mayflower” also tells watchers about opposition of Native Americans’ philosophy and imposed cultural values of settlers, which had the nature of good will and friendship at first. What was the exposure of strengthened settlers to Native Americans? In two words, it can be defined as “total intolerance”. As the proof, let’s remind “The praying towns”, which were first established in 1651, to force Native Americans for Christian confession in exchange for security. Led by thirst of economic success and prosperity, settlers were featured by conquering intentions, instead of friendly relations, which were showed by Massasoit chief to weak English people in 1621.
To described own feelings from watched video, I would like to put some quote of Phillip chief words: “English should treat us, as we treated the English, when we were too strong form them”. As it was already said at the beginning, “We Shall Remain: After the Mayflower” is mostly approached by me as the history of great betrayal. The history of folks, who paid too large price fro own friendship and honor. On the other hand, I’m not so direct to blame the settlers. Obviously, their attitude towards people of other culture cannot be appreciated. However, who knows, what would happen to our country in other case? In this regard, “We Shall Remain: After the Mayflower” is the tribute to memory of those who was at the forefront of modern American community. The history is greatest lesson for mankind and no one of its sides shouldn’t be hidden.



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