Book 2 Post 2
For Book 2 I decided on reading The Wayfinders. The reason I chose this book is because I was very interested in being able to learn about different cultures. I feel like our education system does not give us a great enough perspective about the traditions and practices of other cultures without making them seem alien, so I was hoping to get more from this book. I wanted to learn about the values of other cultures and how they make sense of the world around them.
Most of the history we learn about is from the eyes of Europeans and the accomplishments they have made, but we rarely get the perspective of indigenous cultures. As the book explains, Europeans have the tendency to discredit the discoveries and capabilities of indigenous people. For example, the Polynesian cultural identity is fundamentally defined by their navigation abilities. Yet, early European navigators were quick to discredit the capabilities of Polynesian people not because of a "mere oversight, but an inevitable consequence of the clash of cultures that came with conquest" (51). Because European navigators could not fathom that the navigational skills of Polynesian people were far superior than their own, they reduced the Polynesian people to this idea of "primitive people" would could not have been capable of accomplishing so much (39).
Though I have not yet finished the book, I can appreciate the effort that it makes to retell history in a truthful and accurate manner. I think its important for people to educate themselves on the history of the world, not only from the perspective of European settlers, but also from indigenous cultures who been abundantly successful on their own. As I continue to read the book I look forward to learning more about the contributions that other cultures have made to progress our world for what we know it to be today.
Hey Vivian, I didn't read the Wayfinders but after reading your post I would love to! Similar to you I've always been interested in learning about different cultures and agree that our education system doesn't do nearly enough to educate us, particularly indigenous cultures.
ReplyDeleteHi Vivian, I think it is very important to immerse yourself into different cultures because not only do you learn about the other culture but you gain an understanding of your own culture. With the example you provided, its clear that Europeans did not do that when it really would have benefitted them to do so to enhance their own navigational skills. I enjoyed reading your post and I am going to add the book to my reading list!
ReplyDeleteHi Vivian! I'm quite compelled to start reading the Wayfinders given that I also like learning about and experiencing new cultures. It's sad that much of history has been erased or written in a way that suits the European narrative. I hope this book sheds some light and gives credit where credit is due.
ReplyDeleteHey Vivian. Great to hear your reasoning for selecting the book, as it's always important to explore new cultures. I hope to read this book in the future as well.
ReplyDeleteThe part about the European explorers discrediting the navigation knowledge of the Polynesians is also a part of the book that stood out to me. It upset me that history has been told inaccurately so many times and I am glad this book is bringing light to that.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Vivian, this sounds like an interesting book, and although I didn't read it, I am curious about what the book mentions about how history is taught today. One of my teachers in high school always said that the winners are the ones that write the history and the story you mentioned in the post above made me think of this.
ReplyDeleteHey Vivian! It was refreshing reading your post in the midst of all the self-help book comments. I also love learning about different cultures and their history, so this seems like a great book to explore and educate myself with. Thanks for the insights!
ReplyDeleteHey Vivian! I totally agree that we do not get enough perspective about the traditions and practices of other cultures. Additionally, I also agree that its important that people educate themselves on the history of the world from different perspectives. Its good that you embody these beliefs and that you are following what you believe by reading books such as the Wayfinders.
ReplyDeleteHey Vivian. Sounds like an interesting read. I too love learning about new cultures; I'll have to add it to my reading list!
ReplyDeleteHi Vivian, I also read the Wayfinders and loved it. Following his prose across the globe gave me unique insight into peoples and cultures that I didn't know much about. Glad you got something out of it as well
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