A previous post of mine on the infancy of modern scholarship in Mesoamerica made a point regarding the lack of general knowledge about Mesoamerica among the English-speaking masses of Joseph Smith's day - a topic of possible interest to students of the Book of Mormon and its origins. It's not that many scholars were not aware of Aztec and Mayan ruins, but that the common knowledge of the day did not provide Joseph Smith with much guidance about the once great civilizations that had been on this continent. That can be debated, which is what I find interesting: not the post itself, but the robust discussion that followed, including the lectures of a most erudite scholar and poet out to awake Mormons from our mental slumber. Some challenges and questions have gone unanswered, and perhaps some of you will have further contributions to make on both sides of the discussion.

Perhaps the great poet herself will arise once more? My Website analytics service for this blog shows that someone has been searching for that grand name, "RadicalFeministPoet", and coming to that old post as a result - I can only hope it's her. As much as some of her comments were a tad harsh, perhaps even vitriolic (though too supernal in tone to stir up any but the most effete mobs, fortunately), she also brought some intelligent criticism and even some generously proffered references to the table that urged some of us to read, think, and refine our position. Enduring a bit of hostility is a small price to pay for such assistance. So RadicalFeministPoet, if you're lurking, here's a wink and a hello! Look forward to hearing your latest tactful thoughts. I also hope you'll respond to Blake Ostler's interesting challenge.
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