Message-ID: <32F5DFC2.6AC0@mind.net> Date: Mon, 3 Feb 1997 12:53:22 +0000 From: "B. Diamond" <mailto:bdiamond@MIND.NET> Subject: Re: Re : Theory : Should I accept that consulting assignment ? To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
Hubert DUVIEUSART wrote:> 3. NEW SCHOOLS VS LOCAL CULTURE
>
> The original discussion turned around a question formulated more or less
> like this : "If you were asked to design a new school system to replace four
> existing local schools...". Once again, the question becomes "Should I, as
> an outsider (but self-appointed "development agent"), question this
> decision, and state that I am better placed than the national government in
> deciding what is good for the people ?" Is it better to preserve the native
> culture (and, most of the time, poverty) rather than to offer new
> perspectives, if nothing else ?
>
> Besides, not all people want to be confined within the closed environment of
> the native culture, and the search for progress is a widespread human
> desire. It should be understood that the so-called "local culture
> protection" can sometimes be a powerfull tool used by some groups to enforce
> their hold on the community.
I couldn't disagree with you more! "Poverty" is in the eye of the beholder. Money does not equal happiness and quality of life--this is a fundamental flaw in the development arena--we think that providing people with the means to make money will better their lives, which is not always the case. Many, many indigenous culutures simply wish to be left alone, unfortunately they are drug into the development fray by those wishing to seize or exploit their land/natural resources. In another post, I cited the following culture groups as example of those peoples who had had a taste of "the modern world," and desired nothing from it; they only want to live their traditional lifestyles: The Kayapo (Brazil/Venezuela), Penan (Malaysia), Kung (Africa), Korowai (Irian Jaya) Guarani (Paraguay), Kogi (Columbia). This is just a "short-list" of the more vocal and active indigenous groups opposed to development and modernity, there are many, many other examples. In fact, just today I learned that the U-Wa of Columbia have issued a statement informing the world of their intention to commit mass suicide if the Columbian government allows the US Occidental Oil Co. to explore for oil in their native lands. The U-Wa have seen the devastation wreaked by the oil industry in S. America, and the 4,000 U-Wa would rather commit suicide than be a part of the continued despoilation of their forests. The U-Wa chief issued his appeal for help from the international community "so that they can help the white man understand the meaning of the life of the people and animals who live on tribal lands." Even though the U-Wa stand to make millions of dollars from the sale of oil from their lands, they would rather seek to exist than despoil their world for money. If you ask me, we need more people to take their stand.....
B. Diamond