Journalists, Anthros & Shang/Olmec

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in USN&WR is the first mention I'm aware of on speculation of a Chinese-
Mexican connection. I have, however, been long interested in Chinese
archaeology (please recall the topic of the invention of war some time ago).

There has been some interesting speculation on Anthro-L lately about
science journalists and anthropology. The article mentioned is an
excellent example of the kind of "hook" the general public would be
interested in hearing about. It seems unfortunate to me that the general
response to this speculation appears to be "it's insulting" or the idea
is just silly. I must admit, however, the Roland Blanchette's response
gave me a good laugh.

A more appropriate response would have included at least some mention
of possible antecedents to the sculpture and engraving. The idea of
Chinese sailors landing in Mexico in 1,200 BC is a far cry from claiming
extra-terrestrials landed. The markings are obviously deliberate, not like
Fell's attempt to "read" the scratch marks of plows as runes. It was
encouraging to read that some scholars in the field believe it would be a
good idea to bring in other Chinese scholars. I have some questions about
the possible size of Shang ship and how large a crew it would be carrying.
What would happen to a shipload of sailors, with interesting new
technology, landing on the shore of an already occupied land. Is it
possible that a meeting could be generally friendly rather than adversarial,
leading to a synthesis of cultures.

I fail to see how such speculation is insulting to the native americans
indeed I think it would be an admirable quality to be able to recognize
and adapt to new ideas. Something certainly happened 3000 ya.

So, rather than spurious quips about the absurdity of the idea - how about
some reasoned arguments on why it is unlikely. (This was not a flame).




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Scott Holmes <sholmes@pacificnet.net> Informix Applications
4GL -- SQL -- New Era
http://www.pacificnet.net/~sholmes

---- There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, ----
---- Than are dreamt of in your philosophy. ----
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• Next message: Kevin E. Smith: "Olmec and China"
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