In the book, Todorov makes the argument (at least in my opinion) that the conquistadors used signs to communicate with the Indians. Whether they did so intentionally or unintentionally is what still confuses me.
I believe the signs used by the conquistadors were unintentional. They did not mean to put themselves in a position where they would be seen as gods or anything of that nature. While it did work to their advantage, it wasn't the entire truth of what the Indians believed of them. They also seemed to believe that these people were stealing their land and enslaving them purposelessly. In this light, they are seen as beasts, maybe even uncivilized people. I think the double label put on the conquistadors made the idea of them using signs quite confusing and lends to a great confusion.
Mindy--
ReplyDeletewhile I agree that the Spanish utilized signs in the process of their conquest of the Indians, I believe they did so at least mostly knowingly. Columbus purposefully, for example, used his knowledge of the lunar eclipse to intimidate the Indians, who took it as a sign and bad omen. This instance in particular leads me to believe that the Spanish were aware of their actions. They had knowledge of the prevalence of signs and omens in the lives of the Indians, and must have been aware of their impact on the Indians. The reverence with which the Indians treated their conquers could not have gone unnoticed. While I admit the Spanish may not have known the full entirety of the Indians reliance on religious omens and signage, they had to have realized their impact on the natives.