Cultural Relativism In Cannibal Tours

Dennis O’Rourke’s documentary “Cannibal Tours”, filmed in 1988, is based on the experiences of European tourists as they traveled through Sepik River valley in New Papua, Guiana. In the documentary, at first it appears to be that the westerners want to learn more about the culture of the natives of the land to better understand their ways of life. Yet, as these tourist begin their journey they are surprised that the native’s culture is different from their own. The tourists begin to believe that the natives were ‘poor’ and ‘uncivilized’ in comparison to them, all by European standards. On the other hand, the natives were used to a much simpler way of life from the westerners, a life not rich in materialistic things but in culture, agriculture

and custom. Through this discussion, the experiences of the Europeans and the natives can be further analyzed in accordance to the themes of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism, which can be both seen on throughout the documentary.
Ethnocentrism is the judgment of another's culture through the lens valuing of one's own culture (Chap 2 “Culture”, pg.7-8).In various scenes through the film, the viewer can see how the Europeans behave in a matter which can be labeled as ethnocentric. The notion that the natives are ‘uncivilized’ being one. Also the emphasis that the Europeans played on the native’s language, behavior, custom and religion, all which was different from their own. Instead of embracing and trying to understand the natives, the westerners automatically begin to view them as if they are beneath them.The Europeans believed that they are more civilized in comparison to the people of the Sepik, they begin to feel the need to ‘civilize’ the natives.
Cultural Relativism is the belief that no culture is to be seen better than another, and that there shall be equality for all.On the other hand,the Europeans disrespected and made judgments on the behaviors of native through out the film.In a scene an elderly westerner states, “in a way…they don’t really live” and as well “yes, there way of life…it’s primitive”.

I personally feel that this is a great example to show evidence on the existence of cultural relativism in Cannibal Tours.It is very sad to see the westerners disrespecting the natives culture, as for cultural relativism expresses to do the opposite of

ethnocentrism.
The Europeans spend their time exploring the natives land as if it is a favor to the poor villagers. In various scenes in the documentary the viewer can see the Europeans making fun of the language, behaviors, customs, and religion of the native people. In one of the scenes a tourist introduces cologne to a native. Not knowing what this was the native begins to apply the product all over his face. As a response to the native’s actions, the tourist begins to laugh instead of showing him the appropriate way of using the product. Another scene that I found to be not only offensive but also damaging, is in the episode where the female tourist asks one of her companions to take a photo of her with the native children who were nude.Taking advantage of the natives not knowing that in accordance to the tourist standards, walking around nude is viewed as not only uncivilized but also as being a savage.
Furthermore, in the documentary there is an elder male native who informs us of the colonial time where the Germans entreated to make the primitives civilized, and changed their entire lifestyles in common to the western culture. “When the tourists come to our village, we are friendly towards them,” "They like to see all the things in the village. We accept them here"(Cannibal Tours, O'Rourke). As watching this scene I felt as if the natives had no control over the tourist invading their land.Although, the natives charged 50 cents a photo, they didn’t clearly understand why the Europeans took photos of them, and why they found their lifestyles so amusing. In another scene a female native say, “Tourist! I’m tired of them” (Cannibal Tours, O’Rourke). She felt that all of these tourists take photos of her shell necklaces but don’t purchase anything. She constantly states in movie that these tourist have money, but we are poor people that are making a living from these artifacts. The villagers were just fed up of the bargaining of the westerners.One of the main key point constantly stressed in this film is the struggle westerner face in getting a sense of the once upon a time primitive society, that now prevails in an alternation.
I can personally relate to this film because I have traveled to my country and felt like a tourist as well.I traveled to Afghanistan during summer break on my 18th birthday.Returning after so long,I realized how different the people and the lifestyle was there.I was born in Afghanistan and came to the united states at the age of 3 years old.

When I went back at the age of 18, I had a moment of irony as I got to differentiate my life in the United states in comparison to back home. I took tons of pictures to portray the culture of villagers and special housings. I realized that the people didn’t really like being photographed as similarly shown in Cannibal tours.Some women even try to hide their faces, but others didn’t react much as if it was normal everyday life for them.As watching Cannibal Tours I thought of my experience traveling to Afghanistan, therefore i related it.

In conclusion, i believe that the film “Cannibal Tours”, creates a discussion for us to interrogate the Europeans and how they portray tourism to the people of Sepik. Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism are themes which can still be witnessed today. The main purpose of this film was to portray how ignorant and disrespectful the westerners were towards the natives culture and beliefs.Therefore, I believe that the film educates us to better understand and respect others and their cultural

beliefs.