Don't point your fingers! Accusations and Personas
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As I read about the accusations against Nicolas, the old saying came to mind - "when you point a finger at someone, four are pointing back at you." This idea seemed especially relevant in understanding people's complex judgments about Moriscos. The accusations against Nicolas show that people were judged to be Moriscos not just because of their religion, but also due to a wide range of social, cultural, and professional reasons. In Oliva's case, witnesses used his physical appearance, occupation, and religious practices to argue that he was a Morisco. For example, Oliva’s job as a bunolero, a bun maker was commonly associated with Moriscos, leading people to believe that his profession alone indicated his entire identity. Also, his skin colour and complexion highlight how racialized views about Moriscos were linked to ideas of "blood purity" and lineage in early modern Iberian society. Oliva’s religious actions also played a role in these accusations. He was reported to have invoked Muhammad instead of Christian figures, which raised more doubts and suspicion about his religious loyalty. This was seen as him being untrustworthy, particularly in financial matters. Witnesses pointed out his dishonesty in business and the absence of Christian symbols in his home made people question his morale. This shows how, at the time, religious identity was closely tied to one's reputation and trustworthiness. "Individuals in Spanish America who were accused of being descendants of Muslims and Moriscos, or who were called “dogs” and insulted publicly, used the courts to create and maintain status in a society in which purity of blood became increasingly important," (Cook, 102). Thus, the court system became a crucial tool for individuals like de Oliva to defend their honour and status in society, indicating that accusations of being Morisco were not just personal affronts but part of a larger societal obsession with maintaining a hierarchy based on lineage.
To understand why Addison Gilmo Rodez presented himself as a South Asian, we can see if is it due to racial and religious fluidity that existed in early 20th-century America. Rodez, a Puerto Rican and Spanish heritage, lived during a time when racial categories were rigidly defined and practiced, but for those who didn't fit neatly into these categories, there was some flexibility in how they could identify. His choice to claim a South Asian and Muslim identity can be attributed to many things. During, that time, there was increasing interaction between South Asian immigrants and Latinos, especially in immigrant communities. Many South Asian men who came to the U.S., particularly to the Southwest, married Mexican-American women. (FYI - I watched this tiktok a while back about the history of Mexican Punjabi and their roti paneer quesadillas- https://www.tiktok.com/@nadirnahdi/video/7283866406762843424). These marriages were often a result of the lack of South Asian women in the U.S. and the legal barriers preventing South Asian men from marrying white women. Although these marriages were relatively few, they did create a small but significant connection between South Asian immigrants and Latinos. Another major influence on Rodez’s decision was the spread of Islam in the U.S. through the Ahmadiyya Movement in the 1920s. This movement, led by Muhammad Sadiq, emphasized Islam as a religion that transcended racial divisions, which was especially appealing in a society deeply divided by race. Sadiq’s message attracted African Americans and some Latinos who were drawn to the idea of a faith that promoted racial equality. For someone like Rodez, a Puerto Rican-born man who had identified as "black" earlier in life, the Ahmadiyya message offered an alternative identity that allowed him to escape the racial discrimination he faced. His decision to claim an Islamic heritage and South Asian background can be seen as both a religious and racial strategy. By aligning himself with a South Asian and Muslim identity, he might have found a way to navigate the racial prejudices faced by African Americans and Puerto Ricans in early 20th-century America. The Ahmadiyya Movement’s message of racial equality through Islam provided Rodez with both spiritual fulfillment and a way to gain respect in certain circles. His adoption of South Asian titles, such as "Sufi Rajaba," and his claim of being from India, helped solidify his new identity, likely granting him a social standing and acceptance within the local Muslim community. Also, his active participation in the religious life of the community helped reinforce his adopted identity, making him a respected figure.