Racial Arrogance and Open-Mindedness in Early Modern European Literature

Introduction The history of European empires is marked by a complex interplay of cultural, economic, and political factors. One of the defining features of later European empires was racial arrogance, which manifested in the belief that Europeans were inherently superior to other peoples. This attitude was reflected in the treatment of colonized populations, who were often subjected to exploitation, violence, and discrimination. However, the literature of Early Modern Europe reveals a more nuanced picture, one in which prejudice and open-mindedness coexist. This paper will explore the theme of racial arrogance in European empires, with a focus on how it was reflected in literature during the Early Modern period.

Body Paragraph 1 One of the most obvious manifestations of racial arrogance in European empires was the belief in the superiority of European culture and civilization. This attitude was reflected in the treatment of colonized peoples, who were often regarded as primitive and uncivilized. European writers often depicted colonized peoples as exotic and mysterious, but also as inferior and barbaric. For example, in his account of the Spanish conquest of Mexico, Bernal Diaz del Castillo portrays the Aztecs as bloodthirsty savages who practiced human sacrifice and cannibalism. This portrayal reflects the European belief that non-European cultures were inherently inferior and in need of European intervention and control.

Body Paragraph 2 However, the literature of Early Modern Europe also reveals a more open-minded attitude towards other peoples. This is evident in the travel writing of the period, which often sought to describe and understand non-European cultures. For example, in his account of his travels in the Ottoman Empire, the French writer Jean-Baptiste Tavernier describes the customs, religion, and social organization of the Turks in detail, without resorting to stereotypes or prejudice. Similarly, the English writer Richard Hakluyt, in his collection of travel narratives, includes accounts of encounters with non-European peoples that are characterized by curiosity and respect.

Body Paragraph 3 Another aspect of racial arrogance in European empires was the belief in the inherent superiority of European science and technology. This belief was reflected in the treatment of non-European peoples as primitive and ignorant, and in the assumption that European knowledge and expertise could be applied universally. For example, in his account of his travels in Africa, the Scottish explorer David Livingstone portrays the African peoples he encounters as ignorant and superstitious, in need of European intervention to bring them the benefits of modern science and medicine. This attitude reflects the belief that European civilization was the pinnacle of human achievement, and that non-European peoples could only benefit from European knowledge and expertise.

Conclusion In conclusion, racial arrogance was a defining feature of later European empires, reflecting the belief in the inherent superiority of European culture, science, and civilization. However, the literature of Early Modern Europe reveals a more complex and nuanced picture, one in which prejudice and open-mindedness coexist. While European writers often depicted non-European peoples as primitive and barbaric, they also sought to understand and appreciate their customs and traditions. This tension between prejudice and open-mindedness is a reminder that the history of European empires is not a simple story of domination and exploitation, but a complex and multifaceted one, marked by both arrogance and curiosity.