Utopian Legacies: A History of Conquest & Oppression in the Western World

by John Mohawk

Paradoxically, contemporary horrors like ethnic cleansing are deeply rooted in humanity's highest aspirations, which have given rise to countless similar upheavals and atrocities perpetrated over millennia. Although the ideals embodied in religion and philosophy are considered to be humanity's prime "civilising" force, religions that preach love have been used to justify bloody massacres, and utopian ideals have fomented intolerance and persecution of those who were perceived as obstacles to the realisation of an ideal society. John Mohawk, a distinguished Native American historian, examines this paradox and traces the role of utopian thinking as the rationale for religious wars, subjugation of indigenous peoples, genocide, enslavement, plunder, economic domination, and campaigns of world conquest from the time of the ancient Greeks. Mohawk examines the hidden dynamic within utopian thinking and the danger it poses when it is adopted by powerful groups who use it to serve their own interests. He points out that the danger lies not in the utopian ideal itself but in the parallel assumption that its followers are in possession of the only "truth" and are therefore justified in forcing their "better way of life" on other cultures or nations for the ultimate good of humanity. In a gripping historical narrative, Mohawk traces the impact of utopian thinking on the rise of Western culture in ancient Greece and Rome, the emergence of the Christian empire, and the holy wars of the Middle Ages. Showing how this mindset has shaped Western development, he makes it clear that the utopian legacy still influences contemporary social and political movements at home and abroad. Our greatest challenge is to find ways to defuse its harmful effects on cultures different from our own, while preserving our aspirations and personal ideals. Mohawk argues that only a pluralistic outlook can truly support peace and understanding among the peoples of the world.

Genres: History, Indigenous, Nonfiction, American History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1999

About the author

John Mohawk, a leading scholar and spokesman for the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy, was a leading advocate for the rights of the Iroquois Confederacy and of indigenous people worldwide. He served as director of Indigenous Studies at the Center for the Americas at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Mohawk was also director of the Iroquois White Corn Project, which promoted and sold Iroquois white corn products and foods and supported contemporary indigenous farmers. John Mohawk was the editor of Akewsasne Notes, a columnist at Indian Country Today and his last book was "Utopian Legacies: A History of Conquest & Oppression in the Western World."

Reviews

[joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great. How many times have you come up with some utopian scenario for you or your people? In those fantasies, how often have you considered who would be affected by your utopia? Most of these utopian dreams that are used to make a people come at the expense of other people. John Mohawk taught me a lot in this book. If you are touchy about empires getting the light shined on them (even the US), you might want to make sure you pray before each time you read this.

[Bob Finch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written cruise through history emphasizing the reality of movements intent on imposing their utopian visions. "The road to Hell …." Not an in-depth treatment, but a very good survey, except the penultimate chapter, which came off as a data-dump of sorts. But overall a good read and poignant reminder of Western civilization's dark and violent past … and present, so much in the name of good intentions (narrowly defined, of course).

[Marion Delaronde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book hard to put down, except during the break I needed when the history became too disgusting to read about. Managed to finish it, gladly.

He brings it all together from the perspective of Haudenosaunee people (Iroquois, as known to most people).

This man had a vast knowledge of Haudenosaunee social structure, myths and customs, (but he doesn't impart this information in this book).

[Donna L. Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Mohawk has provided a framework to view family history and the lingering philosophy and effects of European colonialism.

The impetus behind creating non-threatening subdued peoples by wiping out indigenous philosophy, religion and ways of life is explained in detail and with numerous historical examples.