How come you don't learn about the Cajuns in US history?

Question

I was just wondering why I was never taught anything about the cajun culture in US history in high school or college. Obviously I am not familiar with the culture, but I have been trying to learn more about itl.

yah, I'm not goth and I have been to the south breifly, but I did like it alot.

Answer 1

Yours is a serious question; and I promise you this is a serious answer. The reason you don't read about the Cajuns in American history is that there were never many of them, and their influence was largely contained in Louisiana.

If you think about it, the Cajuns aren't alone. There are many ethnic groups that have been very influential in particular regions: the Scandinavians in Minnesota, the Dutch in New York, etc.

American history (written large) is about the overall thrust of the nation and its influences. The influence of the Cajuns never really went beyond the Bayous of the deep south, and as a result, has never made a deep impact on the development of the American historical context.

Of course this isn't to say they're irrelevant. As a distinct ethnic group, the Cajuns have contributed to the great cultural diversity which is America's greatest strength. They've given more spice to a nation that would be more bland for their absense.

I applaud your interest in Cajun history and culture. I've been a fan for many years.

"Faites les bon temps roulez."

Cheers.

Answer 2

Don't quote me but the cajuns came from Canada in the early 1800's. After England defeated the French for control of what is now Eastern Canada people who were loyal to the french and did not want to live under English rule ( Acadians as they were called) moved south to Louisiana. Louisiana was owned by the french until the US gained control through the Louisiana Purchase. The Creole language is a derivative of french Canadian or also known as Quebecois, Cajuns can also be found in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick

Answer 3

Hmmm...I don't know either, but that sounds interesting! Unfortunately, I think we're missing out on a lot of other cultures. Time and money is limited in schools. I don't think there's a big school conspiracy to eliminate Cajun history or anything. Just different priorities in the school system. Plus, I grew up in the northeast, so maybe those closer to the Cajun areas actually did learn about the culture.

Are you reading a good book about it? I'd like to check it out out too.

Answer 4

Cajuns as I recall came from an area of Canada known as Acadia. They came to be known as Cajuns, b/c the people in the area they migrated to couldn't fully understand what they said and how they talked. They spoke very quickly. So when they introduced themselves as Acadians, many people thought they had said something like a Cajun or something to that effect. Therefore they came to be known as Cajuns. I used to know a lot more on the subject, I'd have to go through a couple of my old books to gather up that info. If ya allow e-mails I'll send it to ya. If not I'll edit this answer later.

Answer 5

Usually you only learn of people that may have had an effect on the culture or that can teach a valuable lesson. Which I doubt the had any effect except in there region, i'm sure tCajun history is taught about in a state history class though. Whatever state that is.

Answer 6

Well let me tell you something.
Im from Atlatna, georgia, but a year ago i came down to the new orleans area and work here temporarily.
i have friends that are cajuns. some are black but have blue eyes.
from the look of your avatar, im guessing that you are goth or into goth culture.
i just want to say that you should come and visit new orleans for yourself if you really want to know more.
i hope this answer helped and if you have any questions feel free to Intant Message me.

Aaron

Answer 7

Good question. My ancesters were acadians. The ones who left or were forced from canada went to New Orleans,,these are the acadians that are cajun.Of course you know they were originally from France, and forced from there . Lots of info online.

Answer 8

Acadian history/culture was covered in my high school texts, but that was a long time ago.

Answer 9

Try a New Orleans history website. I didn't learn much about them either, except that they were disliked and not made to feel welcome - kind of like "white trash" so to speak. The internet is probably your best bet for further information.

Answer 10

The cajuns have this whole new way of living!Gov schooling does not want u to know about it ,incase you enjoy yourself too much.its true fat bob told me in the pub.