1.) Summary:
The article presented, exposes the cultural acceptance of albino hunting throughout Africa based on specific examples in the country of Tanzania. Albinism is a hereditary condition that affects one in every 1400 people in Tanzania, (versus one in 20,000 people in North America) due to isolated rural communities, and the close genetic lines that this seclusion produces. Albinos completely lack pigmentation – the natural chemical that gives tissue its colour – in their skin, hair, and even eyes, to produce an extremely pale complexion. This colouration stands in stark contrast to the darker tones of the majority of the population, to perpetuate a state of “otherness” that allows for a de-sensitivity towards hunts. Albino hunts exist …show more content…
It is through the mechanisms of global position, gender, and generation that my judgements of albino hunting in Africa are shaped, and feelings of distaste created. Overall, because of these arbitrary factors, my impression of the situation becomes negative.
4.) Ethnocentric viewpoint: To make conclusions about the beliefs and behaviors of another culture from the bias of one’s own culture.
Ethnocentric statement: The practice of albino hunting in Africa is disgusting and nonsensical. It is unreasonable and lacks equality to view another human being as cursed based solely on their physical appearance. Likewise, a human cannot be a charm, or medicine to bring good health and happiness; natural medicine is unsound compared to modern methods. The attack, assault, and murder of albinos is illegal and unfounded.
5.) Culturally relative viewpoint: The effort to understand another culture through the lens of those who participate in it, without one’s own cultural bias.
Culturally Relative …show more content…
It is a largely permitted custom because of a cultural foundation built on discrimination, spiritual beliefs, and economic factors. However, it serves to dehumanize those with the genetic disorder through their treatment as “game” to be pursued, and as a result of the fear for person, limits mobility and segregates albinos from communities. The stakeholders in this situation are those who buy and sell albino people for their body parts, the witchdoctors who facilitate the consumerist applications, the albino people themselves and the governments of the countries where hunts occur. While there is a power struggle for better treatment and equality between albinos and the government, a longstanding respect for natural medicines and superstitious concerns, gives witchdoctors the most weight in the issue; those with albinism come to lack say. Information that would help to consider these perspectives, is a more in-depth knowledge of the regulations in place for albinos, a greater understanding of beliefs in natural medicine, and the political power witchdoctors hold; as well as specific case studies in Africa from countries outside of
The article presented, exposes the cultural acceptance of albino hunting throughout Africa based on specific examples in the country of Tanzania. Albinism is a hereditary condition that affects one in every 1400 people in Tanzania, (versus one in 20,000 people in North America) due to isolated rural communities, and the close genetic lines that this seclusion produces. Albinos completely lack pigmentation – the natural chemical that gives tissue its colour – in their skin, hair, and even eyes, to produce an extremely pale complexion. This colouration stands in stark contrast to the darker tones of the majority of the population, to perpetuate a state of “otherness” that allows for a de-sensitivity towards hunts. Albino hunts exist …show more content…
It is through the mechanisms of global position, gender, and generation that my judgements of albino hunting in Africa are shaped, and feelings of distaste created. Overall, because of these arbitrary factors, my impression of the situation becomes negative.
4.) Ethnocentric viewpoint: To make conclusions about the beliefs and behaviors of another culture from the bias of one’s own culture.
Ethnocentric statement: The practice of albino hunting in Africa is disgusting and nonsensical. It is unreasonable and lacks equality to view another human being as cursed based solely on their physical appearance. Likewise, a human cannot be a charm, or medicine to bring good health and happiness; natural medicine is unsound compared to modern methods. The attack, assault, and murder of albinos is illegal and unfounded.
5.) Culturally relative viewpoint: The effort to understand another culture through the lens of those who participate in it, without one’s own cultural bias.
Culturally Relative …show more content…
It is a largely permitted custom because of a cultural foundation built on discrimination, spiritual beliefs, and economic factors. However, it serves to dehumanize those with the genetic disorder through their treatment as “game” to be pursued, and as a result of the fear for person, limits mobility and segregates albinos from communities. The stakeholders in this situation are those who buy and sell albino people for their body parts, the witchdoctors who facilitate the consumerist applications, the albino people themselves and the governments of the countries where hunts occur. While there is a power struggle for better treatment and equality between albinos and the government, a longstanding respect for natural medicines and superstitious concerns, gives witchdoctors the most weight in the issue; those with albinism come to lack say. Information that would help to consider these perspectives, is a more in-depth knowledge of the regulations in place for albinos, a greater understanding of beliefs in natural medicine, and the political power witchdoctors hold; as well as specific case studies in Africa from countries outside of