Discussion post#5
When I read the “First Contact as Spiritual Performance,” by John Sutton Lutz, I do assume that he speaks of a Western society context. When the assumption of Lutz, of which it is more difficult for a European to understand Indigenous performances – than the other way around, I find the statement to be attacking the notion of imperialism of Europeans during colonial times. Lutz states that Europeans don’t have” insufficient distance from our own and our ancestors’ world view.” (32) To me, our views of Western society, do not allow us to experience different cultures and spiritual performances. With western culture, we do not experience other cultures; instead we try to make other cultures conform to our ways and beliefs. So for Lutz to state that it is more difficult for a European to understand Indigenous performances – than the other way around is a fair statement to make, as it shows the lack of compassion and willingness for Westerns to explore other cultures.