Culture Shock
Bernal Diaz’s writings gave the impression that Spaniards were superior to the people they encountered in South America. He writes honestly and openly about what he thinks, to the extent of disagreeing with local writers and discrediting the practices and culture of his hosts. Diaz can be accused of intentionally depicting an air of superiority by the Spaniard nation, given the attacks on the rituals and beliefs pursued by the Aztecs and other tribes from the region (Del Castillo, 2010): Culture Shock.
One of the contributors to the feelings of superiority is the religious alignment of the people of Spain. Since Spaniards were staunch followers of Christianity, Bernal Diaz felt that Christianity was superior to the religions followed by South American tribes (Del Castillo, 2010). Also, Bernal Diaz does not seem to criticize the Spanish following their attacks on the Aztecs to obtain the wealth owned by the civilization. These accounts show Diaz’s support of the oppressive practices against the locals.
According to Roider (2005), Ogier de Busbecq traveled to Constantinople in late 1554 following his appointment as the ambassador of the Roman Empire in the Court of Suleyman. The letters written by Ogier de Busbecq show his disdain for the culture of the Turks. For instance, his negative review of the Turks’ inns indicates that he feels superior to the local people. He describes the inns as lacking privacy such that people would see whatever was going on in what should be a private space.
Besides, Ogier de Busbecq expresses disgust at the locals, who are described as continually being astonished at their customs. Also, the portrayal of the Turks as being oppressive to Christian communities shows Ogier’s dislike of the locals. Although he does not give a specific account of where the Turks mistreated Christians, Ogier makes blanket condemnation of the entire community.
References
Del Castillo, B. D. (2010). The memoirs of the conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo (Vol. 1). J. Hatchard and son.
Roider, K. A. (2005). The Turkish Letters of Ogier Ghiselin De Busbecq. LSU Press.
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Question 
One of the biggest themes in this course will be the growth of European economies, militaries, and states relative to other parts of the world after the year 1500. When, how, and why this occurred are among the largest questions in modern global history. In this module, there are two primary sources (first-hand accounts by people who witnessed the events) that describe encounters between Europeans and non-Europeans in the 1500s. Ogier de Busbecq was a Flemish ambassador who traveled to the Ottoman Empire, while Bernal Diaz visited the Aztec Empire as part of a Spanish military expedition.
After reading these two accounts, do you think the authors felt superior to the people they were visiting? Or did they seem to appreciate the foreign cultures they encountered? Please include evidence from the readings to explain your answers.
Culture Shock
Note:
- For Bernal Diaz, you only need to read the specific chapter linked to Canvas. Chapter XXXVIII.
- Only use the links provided in order to complete this assignment. NO AI tool*