Az Eszterházy Károly Tanárképző Főiskola Tudományos Közleményei. 2002. Vol. 8. Eger Journal of American Studies.(Acta Academiae Paedagogicae Agriensis : Nova series ; Tom. 28)

Studies - András Tarnóc: Violence as Cultural Projection: The Sociological, Psychological, and Epistemological Implications of the Jamestown Massacre

component of the settlers' identity and emerges a new pattern entailing such concepts as the Amerindian-warrior-defender of Native American culture and eliminator of a foreign culture The superimposition of Opechancanaugh's helix onto his victim, or by extension a multiple imposition of Native American helixes on the settlers' in fact eradicates the creator or source of the negative image. Thus a certain form of cultural projection is achieved, which following Merelman, does not call on the Amerindian community "to place new images of itself before other social groups or the general public (3)," but eliminates the very proponent of the negative image. Therefore, it can be concluded that the primary goal of the Jamestown Massacre was not the removal of the settlers, but the reconstruction of the Native American self shattered by the threat of cultural dislocation and negative stereotyping. The massacre can also be seen as another episode of a virtual duel and rivalry between Smith and Opechancanaugh as the fate of these two historical figures intersected earlier. Smith was captured by Opechancanaugh and it was largely at his behest that the English adventurer had been sentenced to death. Smith's brutality toward Opechancanaugh during trade negotiations following their first encounter signifies retaliation for the previous humiliation. Consequently, the Jamestown Massacre can be seen as a response to Opechancanaugh's ordeal and Smith's reporting on the events figuratively condemns his Native American counterpart. In describing their first encounter Smith refers to Opechancanough as the King of Pamunkey to whom he gives an ivory double compass dial representing the globe. In fact similarly to Columbus' encounter with the natives, a cultural exchange takes place as both participants offer certain artifacts or elements of their culture. By presenting the globe to Opechancanaugh Smith implies the very possession of the world in which the Powhatan Indians live. The Indians return the favor with the offer of food and the subsequent threats to Smith's life. Both of these acts are subconsciously designed to fight against the notion of the settlers' superiority, The offer of food represents the wealth of the land which the settlers have not been able to enjoy fully, the eventual death sentence passed on to Smith amounts to a reclaiming of the dominant status in the Indian-colonist relationship. Also in Smith's 257