Monica Hunter Wilson - Reaction to Conquest_ Effects of Contact. .) If “pagans” and “Christians” were not as distinct as these labels imply, why might amaPondo perform these identities as if they were distinct? In your response, consider one example from the text and analyse it in terms of the performance of identity.
In the text "Conquest: Effects of Contact," Monica Hunter Wilson explores the interactions between European conquerors and indigenous amapondo communities in South Africa. One example from the text that illustrates the performance of distinct identities is the conversion of the amapondo people to Christianity.
Despite the fluidity of identities and beliefs among the amapondo people, they adopted Christianity and began adhering to the customs and practices of the Christian faith. This adoption of Christianity can be seen as a performance of a distinct identity, separate from their previous pagan beliefs. The amapondo people may have felt pressured to conform to Christian beliefs and practices in order to be accepted by the European conquerors or to gain access to resources and privileges associated with Christianity.
Additionally, by performing the identity of Christians, the amapondo people may have been trying to distance themselves from their pagan beliefs in order to survive and thrive in the changing social and political landscape brought about by European conquest. By adopting the identity of Christians, the amapondo people may have been trying to align themselves with the dominant power in order to protect themselves and their communities.
Overall, the performance of distinct identities such as "pagans" and "Christians" by the amapondo people in response to European conquest can be understood as a strategic response to the pressures and complexities of colonialism. The adoption of Christianity and the adherence to Christian practices can be seen as a way for the amapondo people to navigate their changing world and assert their agency in the face of conquest and colonization.