Anthropology Pop Quiz Time!

Q: What do you do when you find an indigenous tribal group that has never had contact with outsiders or technology, and that you want to keep protected in its natural state?

A: Apparently, you repeatedly fly over their village in a giant metal bird monster taking pictures, which is just what the Brazilian government did:

Notice the freaked out tribespeople trying to shoot at the giant metal bird monster with arrows.



Yeah, that seemed to go over well with the natives. Now that they think the world is coming to an end, I'm sure they'll just go about their daily lives..

According to the BBC:

The first flight had an obvious impact on the tribe. By the time the plane returned, most of the women and children had fled and those who remained had painted their bodies.

Update: Hillary is demanding that the DNC not end the primary campaign until every painted indigenous warrior's vote is counted, unless they support Obama, of course. There are reports that she will go on a hunger strike unless the DNC seats the painted warriors at the Democratic National Convention, again, only if they vote for her.

One Who Helps People Throughout The Land

Today Barack Obama became the first presidential candidate in US history to visit the reservation of the Crow Nation. This is amazing for two reasons. First, it is amazing, and by amazing I mean disgusting, that a presidential candidate has never before taken the time to visit this important Native American group. It shows how the US government, and Americans in general, completely ignore the horribly legacy of genocide against Native Americans that can still be seen in impoverished reservations all over the plains and the West. Second, it is amazing, and by amazing I mean wonderful, not surprising, that Obama was cognizant enough of American history and its far-reaching consequences to personally address it in a way that no one in his position ever has before:

Obama told those gathered that he intended to acknowledge the "tragic history" of Native Americans over the past three centuries. They "never asked for much, only what was promised by the treaty obligations of their forebears," he said, promising to honor those treaties.

Moreover, he pledged to bring sorely-needed "quality affordable health care and a world class education to reservations all across America. That will be a priority when I'm president."

And:

Obama talked about understanding what it is like to be viewed as an outsider from mainstream society and to struggle financially.

"I want you to know that I will never forget you," he said.

The United States government cannot undo wrongs against Indian peoples, he said

But they can elect a president committed to do what's right for Native Americans.

"And since now I'm a member of the family you know I won't break my promises to my brothers and sisters."

In case you were wondering, he referred to them as his brothers and sisters because he was adopted into the tribe under the Crow name "One Who Helps People Throughout the Land."

As if you needed any more evidence that we have before us a completely different kind of leader, someone with amazing potential to take us in a new, greater, more dignifed direction.

I wouldn't expect anything less from Obama. Why should we expect any less from a president?