SC - OT: Anthropology

[HICKS, MELISSA]

Gwynydd,

> Another point which I remember reading - although I can't tell you the
> source - is that sometimes captured native peoples would give the
> anthropologists (and others) the answer that it seemed they 
> wanted.  So, Big
> White Hunter says "which humans taste particularly good" and 
> Noble Savage -
> having given up on trying to convince BWH they neither he nor 
> his tribe are
> actually cannibals answers - "all people tasty; flesh of old 
> woman most
> good."

This problem is well recognised within the cultural Anthropological
community.  The most infamous case is that of Margaret Mead and the Samoans
(although that was in regarding to young females being sexually active
before marriage - not cannibalism). It is one of the reasons that
anthropologists are now taught witness participation.  Basically as well as
listening to what the members of the culture are telling you, you must also
participate and see for your own eyes.  And then record both.  I know in my
own culture, what my family says about always going to church on Sunday
doesn't quite gell with the actual fact that mostly they only go once per
month.

> I wonder too if some tribes didn't foster the belief that they were
> cannibals to frighten their neighbours?
> Gwynydd

Or to impress/denigrate the anthropologists!  The mere concept of having an
outsider in their midst can change the way some cultures act - which is why
most cultural anthropologists do fieldwork for 9 months or more.  The first
three or so months is to integrate into the culture until the anthropologist
becomes part of that culture and the people act "normally" around them.  Or
at least this is the theory!

Sorry, I'm doing some introductory Cultural Anthropology units at Uni this
year (in Canberra) and find the whole topic fascinating!

Mel.

This email message and any accompanying attachments may contain information
that is confidential and intended only for the use of the addressee named
above.  It may also be privileged.  If you are not the intended recipient do
not read, use, disseminate, distribute or copy or take any action in
reliance on it.  If you have received this message in error please notify
the sender immediately and delete this message.  Before opening any
attachments, check them for viruses or defects.