what social values would have led jacques cartier to kidnap the sons of his iroquois hosg at the Gaspé Peninsula and take them to Europe?
To understand the social values that might have led Jacques Cartier to kidnap the sons of his Iroquois hosts at the Gaspé Peninsula and take them to Europe, we need to explore the historical and cultural context of that time. It's important to remember that this explanation is based on historical observations and not an endorsement of those actions.
1. Ethnocentrism: One possible social value that influenced Cartier's actions was ethnocentrism, the belief that one's own culture is superior to others. During the Age of Exploration, European colonizers often viewed indigenous peoples as inferior and sought to assert power and dominance over them. This perspective could have led Cartier to see his actions as justified.
2. Eurocentric worldview: Cartier, like many Europeans of the time, may have viewed indigenous peoples as "exotic" or "savages" who needed to be "civilized." By bringing the Iroquois sons to Europe, he might have believed that exposing them to European society and culture would improve and assimilate them into what he considered more advanced and developed societies.
3. Patronage and Political Alliances: Kidnapping and taking indigenous individuals back to Europe could serve political purposes. By presenting indigenous "prisoners" to European rulers, Cartier could have hoped to gain favor, recognition, and support for his exploration efforts, both from the ruling elite and potential sponsors. This was a common practice during the colonial era.
4. Curiosity and Ethnographic Interest: Explorers like Cartier were often motivated by a desire to learn about new cultures and peoples. By taking Iroquois individuals to Europe, he might have intended to study and showcase the indigenous culture, traditions, and rituals to the European audience, catering to the curiosity and fascination surrounding foreign societies at that time.
It is important to note that these reasons for Cartier's actions are speculative, as his personal motivations are not well-documented. Additionally, while some of these social values may have influenced Cartier's actions, they do not justify or excuse them from a modern perspective.