Literature as a mechanism of social control: Literature's use during the colonization of American Indian groups

Literature is hypothesized to serve as a mechanism of social control during the colonization of the Americas. Cultural colonization and the loss of social traits of American Indians are addressed. Forced assimilation, the creation of the “Other,” dislocation from tribal lands, and alienation are but a few of the problematic consequences of the use of literature as a mechanism of social control over American Indian groups in the colonies. The literary artist's role in passing knowledge to future generations is shown to play an integral part in society and in the preservation of a group's identity.;Social traits, history, and occurrences beginning with Jamestown are made known in an effort to understand American Indian groups from a non-Western perspective. Oratory is contrasted to European forms of literature. Various theorists are consulted to provide a theoretical framework and evidentiary materials to showcase the relationship between literature and society and literature as a social control mechanism. Lastly, literature is demonstrated to be also a vehicle for re-empowerment, reversing its ill effects as a mechanism of social control.