English Podcast

The Culture Collision Podcast explores the impacts of cultural collisions throughout history and how they have shaped societies. The podcast focuses on examining these collisions through a postcolonial lens, exploring the effects of colonization on societies and individuals. The first instance discussed is the founding of Jamestown in 1607, which led to clashes between English settlers and Native Americans, as well as the introduction of African slaves. The Atlantic Slave Trade is also explored, highlighting the devastating impact on African societies and the resilience of enslaved Africans. The Pueblo Uprising of 1680 is another example of resistance against Spanish colonization. These instances of cultural collision are compared to Chinua Achebe's novel, Things Fall Apart, which depicts the destructive force of European colonizers on the Igbo society. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the importance of looking at history and literature through a postcolonial lens to understand the Welcome to the Culture Collision Podcast. My name is Jasmin Kumar and I'm thrilled to be your host. Every other week, we explore intriguing facts from history, dissect them under various lenses, and delve into the intricate ways these events have shaped cultures and societies. Our focus today and in coming episodes will be navigating the complex dynamics that ensue from cultural collisions, the encounters and often clashes that occur when different cultures come into contact, often in the context of colonial expansion. Today, we are particularly interested in examining those cultural collisions through a postcolonial lens. But what does that mean? Well, according to renowned scholar Edward Fenn, a postcolonial lens allows us to view and understand the rigid visual impacts that colonization has left on societies or individuals. The perspective prompts us to explore the behaviors of characters or societies in terms of their colonial past. It's a framework that helps us untangle the lingering threats of colonialism that may still impact societies today. And while we will be exploring historical events, our discussions will resonate with modern-day implications and reflections, as these past instances of cultural collisions continue to shape our present. As such, we'll be guided by a critical question throughout these explorations. How do the events of cultural collisions affect indigenous populations, and how do they compare to Chinua Achebe's novel, Things Fall Apart? For our listeners who are unfamiliar with Things Fall Apart, it's a compelling narrative set in Nigeria during the colonial period, depicting the tragic fall of Okonkwo, a respected warrior, and the eco-society's struggle against the disruptive influence of British colonial rule and Christian missionaries. And to help us navigate these conversations, I'm delighted to introduce our guest host today, Sam Humphrey. Sam is a historian with a keen interest and expertise in post-colonial studies. Sam, we're excited to have you here with us today. Thank you, Jasmine. I'm thrilled to be here. I'm ready to unravel history with you. Thank you, Sam. Our first instance of cultural collision that we'll discuss today is the founding of Jamestown in 1607. This event marked the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in North America. The colonists faced many challenges, from starvation and disease to conflict with Native Americans, particularly the Palatine Confederacy, and internal disputes. That's right, Jasmine. Jamestown represents a significant cultural clash, primarily between English settlers and Native Americans. Due to mutual distrust, misunderstandings, and violence resulting from the settlers' arrival, the English, largely unprepared for any world's harsh conditions, often exploited the natives for food and land. And the Palatine Confederacy didn't just passively accept this, did they? Not at all. The Palatine resistance in this enrichment had fought to defend their sovereignty. This resistance led to numerous conventions, even a significant conflict known as the Anglo-Palatine War, 1610-1614. Interestingly, it's in this context that we witness an unlikely moment of peace. The marriage of Pocahontas, the daughter of Chief Palatine, to English settler John Rolfe in 1614 marked the end of the First Anglo-Palatine War. Absolutely, but this place was short-lived, and the cultural clash extended beyond the interactions between the colonists and the Native Americans. The introduction of African slaves to Jamestown in 1619 created another layer of cultural collision. The slaves, uprooted from their homeland and subjected to brutal treatment became the backbone of the tobacco plantations, the colony's primary source of income. Which really marks the beginning of the institutionalization of slavery in what would become the United States. And it highlights how these cultural collisions weren't just about clashing ways of life. They had significant, far-reaching implications that still reverberate today. Now, how does this event compare to Chino Achebe's Things Fall Apart? Much like in Jamestown, the Igbo society in Things Fall Apart also experiences a destructive outside force with the arrival of European colonizers. Both instances show indigenous populations resisting outside forces, struggling to maintain their sovereignty and way of life in the face of foreign cultures' imposition. Transitioning now to another dark chapter in human history, let's discuss the beginning of the Atlantic Slave Trade. This trade, driven by European powers, especially Portugal, Spain, France, and England, spanned from the 15th to the 19th centuries. It saw millions of Africans captured, sold, and transported across the Atlantic Ocean to work as slaves in the Americas. The Atlantic stage of the slave trade represented a devastating cultural collision between Africans and Europeans. Africans were not only stripped of their freedom, but also their identities, cultures, and religions. They were subject to brutal conditions and demands of peace. This horrific period undoubtedly disrupted African societies, causing enormous population loss, human suffering, and significant shifts in political, economic, and social structures. Indeed, the Atlantic slave trade had a profound impact on American societies. It's important to note, however, that despite the dehumanization they faced, enslaved Africans showed extraordinary resilience. They resisted their conditions in many ways, from revolts and escapes to preserving elements of their culture under oppressive circumstances. That's an important point, Sam. This cultural preservation is evident today in the African diaspora communities throughout the Americas, where elements of African languages, arts, customs, and beliefs survive. Absolutely, Jocelyn. And much like in Things Fall Apart, these communities fought to maintain their identities in this oppressive war trying to suppress and control them. Europeans, like the Colonizers and the Chávez model, attempted to erase and replace African cultures. By imposing Christianity in European languages, they fought for their rights. Yet, despite the odds, African cultures endured and adapted. In this way, Things Fall Apart and the Atlantic slave trade narrative reflect a common theme of cultural survival and resistance in the face of colonial oppression. In both instances, the colonized peoples demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, even as they grappled with the traumatic consequences of colonial domination. Moving on to our third instance of cultural collision, let's travel to what is now New Mexico to discuss the Pueblo Uprising of 1680. This revolt was led by the Pueblo people, a group of Native American tribes against the Spanish colonizers. Indeed, Jocelyn. This uprising marked a pivotal moment in Native American history. It was a powerful display of resistance and autonomy. A response of two decades of Spanish imposition of religion, culture, and authority over the Pueblo people. Right. The Spanish, upon their arrival of the late 16th century, forced the Pueblo to convert to Catholicism, pay tribute, and work as laborers. The Pueblo suffered significantly from decease, famine, and abuse. But they didn't take it lying down. The Pueblo Uprising of 1680 led by a religious leader named Cuepe saw the Pueblo people come together in a coordinated effort to overthrow Spanish rule. Which they succeeded in doing, correct? Yes, they did. They managed to kill hundreds of Spaniards, destroy churches and missions, and reclaim their lands and freedoms. It's a stark reminder of how indigenous populations can resist and even reverse colonial power. And if we consider Things Fall Apart, we can draw parallels. In Cuepe's novel, we see similar struggle against the imposition of a foreign culture and religion. The indigenous Igbo people, much like the Pueblo, grappled with the loss of their traditions and the down and running of their social structures. Yet, just as the Pueblo people did, the Igbo in Things Fall Apart showcased resilience in the face of cultural erosion and fought to preserve their traditions and beliefs. Exactly. In both the Pueblo Uprising and Things Fall Apart, we see the profound impact of cultural collision on indigenous societies. As remarkable strength these societies display in their fight for cultural survival. As we wrap up today's podcast, we've explored some crucial instances of cultural collision in history. Jamestown in 1607, the Atlantic slave trade, and the Pueblo Uprising of 1680. Absolutely, Jasmine. In each of these, we've noticed a common thread, the enormous impact such collisions have on indigenous societies, their identities, values, beliefs, and relationships. That's right, Sam. From the Powhatan and the African slaves in Jamestown, to African societies during the Atlantic slave trade, and finally, the Pueblo people, we've seen the struggle, resistance, and at times, the tragic consequences that come from such encounters. Through a lens of post-colonialism, inspired by Edward Said, we've been able to dissect and better understand those events. It's been a journey through time highlighting resilience and adaptability to indigenous populations under the pressure of colonialism. These historical events and their consequences can be seen mirrored in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart. The novel echoes these instances of cultural collision, shedding light on the experiences of the colonized. Things Fall Apart, like Israel's historical events, explores the devastating effects of colonial rule on indigenous cultures, yet it also highlights the incredible resistance and determination of these societies to retain their identities and values. Absolutely, Sam. And I think it's safe to say that looking through a post-colonial lens, whether it be in literature or history, provides us with a deeper understanding of these societies and their experiences. It also challenges us to question and re-evaluate the narratives of history we've grown up with. Well said, Jasmine. It's been a privilege to delve into these historical events in Achebe's work with you. Hopefully, our listeners will gain some new perspectives and insights from this session. It's been a pleasure, Sam. And to our listeners, thank you for joining us on this journey through history and literature. We hope you've found it as enlightening as we have. This has been a Collision of Cultures project with your hosts, Jasmine Kumar and Sam Huntley. We look forward to bringing you more engaging discussions on literature and history. Until next time, stay curious and explore it.