Today is my fourth day here in New England. The days are just packed! This morning my Uncle Charles asked me if I would like to sit in on a town hall meeting. Eagerly I accepted, since Winston had previously informed me these meetings were important; a big deal. My cousin says that nobody but the freemen (2/5 of all men are freemen, they are the only ones who can vote in provincial elections) are allowed at these town hall meetings. My uncle asked his fellow freemen if I could sit in, just to observe and experience a meeting; they agreed.
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| A typical meetinghouse of New England |
So before
I went to the meeting, Winston gave me a quick lesson on democracy and
hierarchy in New England. He said that the most powerful and influential people
in the community are the religious leaders. The freemen are also quite
important. Men have more power and responsibility than women, but women still
have responsibility.
Winston
also notified me that his parents are so grateful to have a democracy in this
society, because they have a say in rules and laws of the community. In
contrast, in England, the monarchs had complete and total rule.
After I
heard what Winston had to say about democracy and hierarchy in New England, I
thought back to Jamestown. My home has developed a hierarchy that consists of a
few great planters who dominate the House of Burgesses on the top of the
hierarchy. Below those aristocrats are the small farmers, or yeomen. They are
the largest social group. My family owns a minor farm; we are a part of this
class. Below us on the hierarchy are the landless whites; those who own no land
and used to be indentured servants. Consequently, the indentured servants are
below the landless whites. Finally, on the bottom of Virginia’s hierarchy are
the black slaves.
When I
compare the democracy and hierarchy systems of New England and Virginia, they
seem quite different to me. I must say I prefer New England’s customs; because
there is more equality between the people, and the people have a bigger part in
the development of the community.
I like how Lauren uses a lot of detail when explaining the democracy in New England. It gives a better understanding of the society they have there in relation with the one in Virginia.
ReplyDeleteThe explanation of the government in the Northeast, in comparison to the government in the South is very detailed and accurate. I like the tone of voice, for it shows how a Southerner of a lower hierarchy views their own government. It also explains how a town hall meeting is run, and stresses the importance of equality between people.
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