The Lies We Tell

Today, on Presidents Day, I'm unveiling my latest series of blog posts titled "The Lies We Tell." It's a deliberate choice to embark on this journey today, a day when we honor the leaders who have shaped the United States. This series will delve deep into the origins of America, starting with the tragic history of the Indigenous peoples' genocide, exploring the implications of the Doctrine of Discovery, and reflecting on the teachings of Matthew 7:24-27 from the Bible as a metaphor for building on a solid foundation versus one of sand. I will extend the conversation to the systemic oppression of people of color, women, immigration, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, and many other marginalized groups, along with examining the falsehoods perpetuated by our nation's leaders.

This exploration is a personal quest to grasp the extent to which deceit is woven into the fabric of our national identity and the lies I tell, as well as others. By confronting these lies head-on, I aim to unravel some the complexity of American history, bringing to light the obscured truths and establishing a foundation for a future where integrity and truth are paramount. My mission is multifaceted: to educate, empathize, and inspire action, shedding light on the issues that continue to resonate in our present from the echoes of our past.

This blog is a platform for the silenced voices, the untold stories, and the overlooked perspectives. Through my narrative and those of others who have endured the weight of these historical lies, we offer a human face to the stark realities often lost in policy discussions. As we tackle current events and legislative impacts, this space is dedicated to advocacy and change, encouraging a community of individuals committed to justice and equity.

Together, we can foster a space for open dialogue, learning, and healing, inching closer to the ideals of justice, equality, and freedom we all cherish. Thank you for joining me on this path of introspection and understanding as we strive to honor the dignity and worth of every person and build a future that genuinely embraces truth at its core. Let's begin.

European Settlers in the Americas

The arrival of European settlers in the Americas marked the beginning of a profound and devastating impact on Native American populations, a historical event that would reshape the continent and its peoples forever. This era of colonization, fueled not only by the quest for new lands and resources but also significantly justified through religion, initiated a complex and often tragic interaction between cultures. The role of religion in justifying colonization played a pivotal part in the narrative, shaping policies and attitudes that led to the displacement, suffering, and drastic alteration of the indigenous way of life.

The Doctrine of Discovery and Religious Justification

The foundation for the European claim to the Americas can be traced back to the Doctrine of Discovery, a principle that emerged from a series of Papal Bulls in the 15th century. This doctrine provided the religious and legal backing for European nations to discover and claim lands inhabited by non-Christian peoples. It was predicated on the belief that Christian monarchs had a divine mandate to spread Christianity across the globe, including the right to claim sovereignty over lands not inhabited by Christians. This religious justification for colonization profoundly affected Native American societies, as it placed their territorial rights, sovereignty, and even their humanity secondary to European imperial and religious goals.

In the 2006 documentary “The Canary Effect: Kill the Indian, Save the Man” one of the speaker’s poignant analogy, "It's hard to discover an occupied territory. I often go to visit people who moved into the area. It’s the first time I go into their living room, I can hardly say I discovered it, after all they did live there, much less can I extrapolate by virtue my noble achievement by knocking on their door that somehow their newly discovered living becomes mine." 

Yet, this is the very thing Christopher Columbus did, and upon this premise, our nation was constructed—a nation that has celebrated the notion of 'discovery' while the original inhabitants had already called these lands home for centuries.

Impact on Native Americans

The impact of colonization on Native American populations was catastrophic. It was not just the loss of land that devastated indigenous peoples but also the systematic attempt to eradicate their cultures, languages, and religions. European settlers and missionaries sought to convert Native Americans to Christianity, often through coercive means, including the establishment of mission schools designed to assimilate indigenous children into European ways of life and belief systems. This cultural genocide aimed to erase indigenous identities and replace them with European norms and Christianity.

The introduction of European diseases to which Native Americans had no immunity caused widespread epidemics, decimating populations, and further weakening the resistance against colonization. The loss of life was immense, with estimates suggesting that indigenous populations in the Americas declined by over 90% within the first 4 centuries after European contact.

Resistance and Resilience

Despite the overwhelming force of European colonization, Native American communities resisted the encroachment on their lands and the imposition of foreign religions and cultures. This resistance took many forms, from armed conflict to diplomatic negotiations, and the preservation of cultural practices and languages in the face of attempts to suppress them. Indigenous resistance is a testament to the resilience and strength of Native American societies, which have survived centuries of colonization and continue to fight for their rights, sovereignty, and recognition today.

The Legacy of Colonization

The legacy of colonization and the role of religion in justifying the conquest and subjugation of Native American peoples is a complex and painful chapter in American history. It raises critical questions about the intersection of religion, power, and imperialism. The consequences of this period are still felt today, as Native American communities continue to grapple with issues of sovereignty, cultural preservation, and the ongoing struggle for rights, violence, and recognition.

Understanding the historical context of the arrival and colonization of the Americas, and the role of religion in justifying these actions, is essential in acknowledging the profound impact on indigenous populations. It also serves as a critical reminder of the need for reconciliation, respect for indigenous rights, and the importance of preserving Native American cultures and languages. As we reflect on this history, it becomes clear that the path towards healing and justice requires acknowledging the truths of the past and working towards a future that honors the dignity and resilience of Native American communities.

The question I asked myself as I began my research, “Why did I not learn about the real history behind the building of America?” 

I realized from the readings, the omission of the complex and painful legacy of colonization, including the role of religion in justifying the conquest and subjugation of Native American peoples, from the standard teaching of the Mayflower and early American history in schools, can be attributed to several EXCUSES:

Simplification of History 

Educational curricula often simplify history to create a more coherent and straightforward narrative. Complex issues like colonization, the role of religion in imperialism, and the resulting long-term impacts on Native American communities are nuanced and can challenge the celebratory narratives often preferred in national history education. This simplification can lead to the exclusion of less palatable aspects of history that might complicate the dominant narrative of discovery and settlement.

National Identity and Mythology

The foundational myths of a nation play a significant role in shaping its identity. The story of the Mayflower and the Pilgrims is often romanticized as a tale of religious freedom and the brave founding of a new nation. Acknowledging the darker aspects of this history, such as the displacement and mistreatment of Native peoples and the use of religion to justify such acts, can challenge national myths that many hold dear. It might be uncomfortable for educational systems to confront these truths, as it requires a reevaluation of cherished national narratives.

Political and Cultural Sensitivities

The teaching of history is influenced by contemporary political and cultural sensibilities. Acknowledging the role of colonization and religion in the subjugation of Native American peoples can be controversial, touching on issues of racism, imperialism, and religious intolerance. There may be resistance to including these topics in school curricula due to concerns about political correctness, potential backlash from parents or community members, or the desire to avoid controversy.

Lack of Awareness and Resources

In some cases, the exclusion of these topics from educational curricula may stem from a lack of awareness among educators and policymakers about the importance of teaching a more inclusive and accurate history, (I personally don’t accept this reason, but articles give them a pass.) Additionally, there may be a shortage of accessible and age-appropriate resources and materials that cover these aspects of American history, making it challenging for teachers to incorporate them into their lessons. So school children learn what makes them feel good about being here, without regard to the harm it does to the many marginalized groups, starting with Native Americans.

Moving Forward

To address these omissions, there is a growing movement towards incorporating more comprehensive and honest accounts of American history into educational curricula. This includes highlighting the legacy of colonization, the role of religion in justifying imperial actions, and the ongoing impacts on Native American communities. By doing so, educators can provide students with a more nuanced understanding of the past, fostering critical thinking and empathy for the experiences of all people who have contributed to the nation's history.

Incorporating these complex themes into the teaching of early American history is essential for fostering a deeper understanding of the country's past, promoting reconciliation, and ensuring that future generations learn from the mistakes of history to build a more inclusive and equitable society.

Recommended books, articles, and documentaries that can serve as valuable resources for those seeking a deeper understanding into these topics:

Books

1. "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz - Offers a history of the United States told from the perspective of Indigenous peoples, challenging the founding myth of the United States, and presenting a history that respects the rights and humanity of indigenous peoples.

2. "1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus" by Charles C. Mann - Provides an extensive look at the pre-Columbian Americas and the impact of European colonization, challenging many misconceptions about Native American societies.

 3. "The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code" by Steven T. Newcomb - Explores the historical and legal significance of the Doctrine of Discovery, the religious and imperial justification for colonizing Native lands.

 4. "American Holocaust: Columbus and the Conquest of the New World" by David E. Stannard - Examines the destruction of the Native American populations and cultures, arguing that the colonization of the Americas was a form of genocide.

5. "Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the Doctrine of Christian Discovery" by Steven T. Newcomb - Offers a unique analysis of the religious and philosophical elements behind the Doctrine of Discovery and its ongoing impact on indigenous rights.

 

 Articles and Journals

“Native Americans and Colonization” - Britannica 

"Indian Boarding Schools' Traumatic Legacy, And The Fight To Get Native Ancestors Back” by NPR.org Code Watch

 “Expert Guide On the Assimilation Removal and Elimination of Native Americans”  by Jessica   Keating. Jessica Keating directs the Notre Dame Office of Life and Human Dignity in the McGrath Institute for Church Life 

Documentaries and Films

1. "500 Nations" - A comprehensive documentary that explores the history of the indigenous peoples of North and Central America from pre-Colombian times through the period of European contact and colonization.

2. "The Canary Effect" - A documentary that delves into the effects of U.S. policies on Native Americans, exploring themes of genocide and colonization.

 3. "We Shall Remain" (American Experience series) - A five-part television series that tells the history of the United States from the perspective of Native Americans.

4. “Unspoken: America's Native American Boarding Schools” - PBS Utah presents a profound and stirring examination of a harrowing period in American history through its exploration of the federal Indian boarding school system. The documentary unfolds the narrative of a forced cultural assimilation, where Native American identity, heritage, and languages were suppressed in the pursuit of conformity to Anglo-American norms. Tracing a timeline from ancient traditions to contemporary realities, the film brings these stories to life through the powerful and personal accounts of Native Americans who endure the enduring impact of these policies. The voices of those who have lived through it offer a raw, unfiltered testament to the resilience of a culture that has faced attempts to be erased.

 

Online Resources

1. National Museum of the American Indian - Provides a wealth of online exhibits, collections, and educational resources focusing on the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of the Native Americans.

 2. Indigenous Digital Archive - Offers access to historical documents, treaties, and records relevant to Native American history, including those related to land rights and the impact of colonization. 

3. Native American Rights Fund (NARF) - Contains legal documents, advocacy tools, and resources related to the rights and sovereignty of Native American tribes.

These reference materials offer a pathway to further explore the complex history and enduring legacy of colonization on Native American communities, emphasizing the critical role of religion in this history.

Tomorrow... "Critical Impact of Honesty in History Education"