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When Worlds Collide takes the audience on a dramatic journey through the first couple of centuries after the Old World collided with the New World. The voyage opens in the city of Los Angeles and proceeds to Spain and Latin America, in which Spanish conquistadors first made contact with local peoples. According to the film, by the time the Spanish came, Indigenous civilization had evolved into a highly complex society with extensive architectural, agricultural, and textile traditions that far excelled those of the conquerors (Byker 08:44-09:28). Furthermore, it is suggested that the South American society that evolved was radically distinct from the Old World, employing all natural resources accessible; some of the manufacturing processes, such as dye, are currently alive (Byker 10:15-12:44). The most significant impact of the era was the profound transition that both worlds went through, culminating in a completely new mestizo or mixed culture that is now an essential part of the history of some more than 30 million Latinos in the United States (Byker 44:15-46:44). This video tells the mostly forgotten tale of the Americas following Columbus, illuminating the foundations of todays Latino culture.
The film relates and illustrates in an expressive and colorful manner the information in the readings in the class. For example, Vanden states that ordinary people had become used to authoritarian choices and leadership due to the centralized nature of political authority in Southern America. In the video, this fact is evidenced by the presence of giant monumental constructions which could not have been made without powerful and somewhat tyrannical leadership (Byker). Hence, the Spanish were seen as just another invading force (Vanden). Furthermore, the author concentrates on the connection between the Church and the State (Spanish Crown), which consolidated the Crowns control over the Church (Vanden). The Church served to expand the states authority in terms of power and authority over individuals. The documentary demonstrates the atmosphere of the spiritual influence in the Spanish churches. Next, Vanden articulates that indigenous civilizations preserved their beliefs, resulting in religious fusion, as well as provided the blending of indigenous and European cultures. Bykers film also suggests that native culture is not extinct. Moreover, South Americas most refined and well-done products (dyes, sugarcane, tobacco, and cocoa) are all traded even now.
I have learned multiple facts about the Spanish Conquest, the fusion of culture, and the realities of indigenous people in the New World. For example, before watching the film, I have not realized that the descendants of the Indigenous people of America are living in such great numbers, becoming mestizo. For some reason, I have believed that the collision of several completely different civilizations, among which one has an immense advantage in warfare, would immediately lead to the death of all the cultures that are less powerful. As a result, I have been surprised to learn that multiple traditional crafts of the long-gone peoples are still alive and prospering in South America. Moreover, I have realized what influence a religion with centralized authority can have on people. In fact, this power has been used for mercantile purposes, while ordinary people did not feel any guilt for the bloodshed in the New World since they were not the ones in power for these decisions. As a result, they had no remorse, believing only in the orders of their authorities and not giving critique to the decisions of the powerful.
Works Cited
Byker, Carl. When Worlds Collide. Vimeo, uploaded by Janine Rangel, 2022.
Vanden, Harry. Politics of Latin America: The Power Game. Oxford UP, 2021.
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