There is a movement in Africa to bolster pride in the continent by debunking European myths about ‘wild Africa,’ i.e. that before Europeans arrived here there was no civilization. This effort is attempting not only to reveal the truth about that period, but also build local pride in the ancient civilizations there. But, given the actual impact that human civilizations have had on the planet and on people outside any given society, is civilization really something to build pride upon? How we understand this history has impacts on not only Africans but people of all civilizations – the way we perceive ourselves and the future directions we take. For this piece I have drawn on my own observations of Ghana, my visit to Ghana’s Mole National Park, interviews with a tour company operator, recent developments regarding the San (Bush People) of Botswana and that country’s recent Supreme Court decision to allow them back onto their tribal lands but with strict conditions imposed, and extensive secondary research into African politics and history.
Tag: History
The Evolution of Multiple Agricultures and their Cultural Dispersals — A Descent-Based Approach to the Study of Agricultural Origins and Dispersals
This paper was written as a thesis submitted to the University of Queensland’s School of Social Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements of a Bachelor of Anthropology Honours Degree. It describes how a proper understanding of cultural evolution dispels…
The Truth (Damned Truth) of Election Statistics
The year 2004. A multiple of four. That means at least three things. A leap year, the Summer Olympics, and the U.S. Presidential election. As for leap year, though it certainly applies this year, it actually doesn’t happen every multiple…
Forbidden Knowledge: From Prometheus to Pornography
Forbidden Knowledge: From Prometheus to Pornography Roger Shattuck
Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed
Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed (The Institution for Social and Policy St) James C. Scott
Dances with Wolves
Dances with Wolves (Special Extended Edition) Written by Michael Blake, based on his novel; Directed by Kevin Costner The Lord of the Flies
The Culture of Make Believe
The Culture of Make Believe Derrick Jensen
People of the Deer
People of the Deer (Death of a People) Farley Mowat
The Collapse of Ancient States and Civilizations
The Collapse of Ancient States and Civilizations Norman Yoffee & George L. Cowgill, Editors
Cows, Pigs, War and Witches: The Riddles of Culture
Cows, Pigs, Wars, and Witches: The Riddles of Culture Marvin Harris