Reading Notes 5
What is the specific argument that Adario/Kandiaronk and/or Lahontan are making in the section of the book that you read for today?
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Adario/Kandiaronk makes the case that Huron culture is superior to that of French colonial civilization.
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Suggesting the Hurons' freedom, independence, and harmony within their community and drawing a comparison between it and the alleged injustice and oppression of French laws and government.
What evidence do they draw upon for this argument?
Adario/Kandiaronk cites specific examples:
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Punishment for hunting or unauthorized salt transportation.
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Supposed application of torture to forceconfessions.
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Partiality in the French legal system towards the powerful and wealthy.
How do they construct his argument here?
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Adario builds his case by drawing attention to the drawbacks and unfairness of Huron and French communities through a direct comparison.
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He tells a story that contrasts the harsh and hierarchical structure of French colonial rule with the more egalitarian, communal, and just aspects of Huron civilization.
How does this tie into what you read in the Martin textbook earlier this week (e.g. authority, structure)?
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Adario's position is consistent with the Martin textbook's discussion of themes of resistance against colonial rule.
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Pointing on how injustices caused by French rule caused conflict between settlers and indigenous people.
What questions do you have after the reading – what was unclear to you? What did you have a hard time understanding?
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The validity of Adario/Kandiaronk's viewpoint could be called into doubt because of possible stereotypes or cultural disparities.
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The portrayal may not be entirely accurate due to the complex details of French colonial governance and judicial systems not being fully covered in the discussion.
