English Settlers

The English settlers were shocked by the contrasts between their culture and that of the Native Americans. Though the English perceived it differently, there was not a single Native American culture, nor did the diverse indigenous inhabitants of North America think of themselves as a single people. They were instead very conscious of the diversity of beliefs, customs, and cultures between their various tribes. English colonists, however, were unable to appreciate or comprehend the rich diversity of the Native Americans as illustrated in Governor John White's painting "The Village of Secoton". They classified the native inhabitants as having a pagan religion and their agriculture and land use patterns primitive. The English considered that they had a model society and believed that the Native American society and culture should be changed to be very similar to their own. All of these reasons contributed to the English belief that Native Americans were a savage people despite their culture actually having similarities to that of the English.

The English and the Native Americans had very contrasting ideas of personal wealth and ownership. The English believed that only the rich should own land, and strongly followed the practice that when you passed away, the land stays in the family to keep the family honor and pride alive. In European society, what one owned decided one's identity, political standpoint, wealth, and even independence. The Native Americans believed that property was part of a tribe, not a personal possession to own. One of their beliefs was that the land was sacred, and each family should have a piece of the whole. As a general rule, the Native Americans followed their belief that states that everything on the earth is given to all, and each person deserves their own share. This belief is shown in the "Village of Secoton" painting by the arrangement of homes. Each family has its own home within the tribe and shares the common areas (Nash, Jeffrey and Howe 39).

Religion was a major wall of separation between the Native Americans and English, especially considering the polytheism of the Native Americans, and the usual monotheism practiced by the English. The English followed a strict system of worship, with trained clergy, and pattern of church services. For the Native Americans, spiritual belief was centered on the belief of spiritual power that exists everywhere in nature. The Native Americans wanted to be in touch and one with nature, and all aspects of it, from the wild animals they hunted to the smallest stream. This can be seen in the painting as it shows a ceremonial dance being performed by the tribe (Nash, Jeffrey and Howe 39). The English thought of these religious practices as evil and wrong, and as a result, they thought the Native Americans were not intelligent enough, inferior to, the English, and constantly attempted to convert the Native Americans to Christianity. They