Prompt for this essay, led by Professor Tod Swanson at Arizona State University

"Prompt: Although they all believed in the myth of the blueprint, Thoreau, Emerson and the Hudson River School differed from Jefferson and the signers of the constitution on how they interpreted it and on what they perceived to be the basic threats to rational democracy. Consequently they proposed quite different strategies for overcoming these threats. Using 2 or more of the assigned readings (and only the assigned readings) write a 400 word essay comparing and assessing their different views of the problem and the solution. You might consider who each group thought should be making the important decisions, who should not be making them and why. You may also want to consider the personal lives of these figures as reflected in the readings as well as how these different worldviews are reflected in the art and aesthetics of the period. What are their strengths and weaknesses as foundations for the future of democracy?"

In this essay, we were tasked with examining the evolution of Christianity in early American expansion, what conflicts arose from the colonial project, and I personally look at the role or patriarchal standards in that evolution. The grounds were set by preceding 'generations' of Christianity - colonists need only follow through with brutal, 'genial' efficiency in their specific beliefs with the aim to claim their own [land/legacy/loyalty/et cetera].

How does human contradiction and disagreement ultimately reflect the word of God and the Divine Blueprint?

As could be pointed out in previous assignments, broadly looking at the interpretations of the myth of the blueprint reveals contradiction, even within God’s own actions. Keeping that in mind, I would argue that it makes sense that in any large attempt to corral and govern a people, some similar clash of ideals may occur. The early American beliefs that have funneled into modern life reveal that the flaws of God do apply to those who take his word to heart – and although it’s not a bad thing inherently, there is common disregard for how it causes bias.

The founding fathers of the United States of America created law based on the assumption that they were of equal mind and consciousness, all in relative agreement that there were some people who weren’t of the right mind – or gender, or race, or class standing – to mold the laws in this new land (Swanson Lecture, Myth of the Blueprint and the Origins of American Democracy). This is especially evident in the wording of the Declaration of Independence: “He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions.”

Understanding the common languages of academics and politicians alike, looking at what was regarded as normal can give insight to the religious implications of life at the time. Though not able to keep up with daily prayer, William Byrd was a pious man – and he enslaved people, and likely abused his wife. All of his diary entries are of the tone of a man with no qualms over his position in life. He believes steadfastly that he is in his rights to gather his wife’s submission, and claim those he enslaved as his. In terms of bias, this is a man that knows no other reality and has no desire to challenge it.

Similar biases are evident today by how some degree of incredulity is present when one’s politics are challenged, though there is much more room for nuance as the internet provides insight into other regions with more frequency than was had in the past. By reading between the lines, it was unusual to push the social comfort zone and could lead to endangerment as alluded to by Byrd on April 9, 1709, “My wife and I had another scold about mending my shoes but it was soon over by her submission;” and June 9, 1709, “My Eugene ran away this morning for no reason but because he had done nothing yesterday. I sent my people after him but in vain.” This leads me to ponder what lines exist today, and how they make themselves known in media and politics as words from the past remain relevant in daily life.

Citations

The Declaration of Independence

The Secret Diary of William Byrd of Westover, 1709-1712

Lecture and Powerpoint made by Professor Tod Swanson