I also believe that it is time for the history of New Mexico to be rewritten. By todays standards, seventeenth century New Mexico truly was a Spanish Black Legend. The eighteenth century fared better in that after the return of the Spanish colonists there was more tolerance of Native peoples, their culture, and their religion. More importantly, Spanish colonists absorbed and benefited as much from Native cultures as did Native Americans adopt Spanish ways. The integration of Native culture into the Spanish realm is frequently overlooked in the extant literature of this period in New Mexicos past. Additionally, the significance of the Pueblo Revolt in 1680 has not been given due recognition within the realm of the Latin American historiography. To be sure, there was indigenous resistance to colonialism throughout the Americas; but in no other part of the Spanish Empire from New Spain to the southern cone of South America, did any indigenous community accomplish what Popay was able to achieve. When the Spanish returned to New Mexico, they readjusted their behavior. Despite the fact that all education majors at UNM are required to take New Mexico History, one of the most common errors they make on their final exams is their inability to identify Pope. They all know who Billy the Kid was, but do not have a clue who Popay (Pope) was. In my humble opinion, he stands out as prhaps the most notable figure in New Mexicos history.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 14:41:46 +0000
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