Human safaris

wilkie2006 · 29-02-2012 1:05am #1

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/26/human-safari-threat-amazon-tribe

New concerns about "human safaris" are now being raised in Peru, where tour operators are profiting from the exploitation of indigenous tribes in the Amazon jungle.

An increase in economic activity and tourism in the Manú region has led to a dramatic rise in the number of reported sightings of the Mashco-Piro – one of around 15 indigenous groups in Peru who have no regular contact with outsiders, and one of only 100 or so such tribes left in the world.

Fenamad, the local indigenous rights organisation, has criticised tour operators who have taken advantage of the sightings to take tourists "close to where" the tribespeople were seen. There is growing evidence that travellers and tourists are attempting to make contact. "Uncontacted Indians are not a tourist attraction," said Rebecca Spooner of Survival International, which aims to protect tribal peoples. "So-called tour guides should already know better."

As far as I'm concerned, this is just another example of the West's selfish, capitalist agenda; an absolute disregard for another culture, just to make a few quid.

Would any AHers go on these tours? Moreover, should tribes like these be left alone or introduced to our customs and traditions?

chin_grin · 29-02-2012 1:07am

wilkie2006 wrote: »

As far as I'm concerned, this is just another example of the West's selfish, capitalist agenda; an absolute disregard for another culture, just to make a few quid.

Would any AHers go on these tours? Moreover, should tribes like these be left alone or introduced to our customs and traditions?

History tends to repeat itself.

(With reference to people being exploited......)

Mr. Incognito · 29-02-2012 1:10am

No different to us being obsessed on the news with showing the dole queues?

Respect?

Dignity?

You're having a giraffe

westendgirlie · 29-02-2012 1:12am

Ohhhh. I thought they killed em too.

So in answer to your question OP, I won't be booking this trip

Teyla Emmagan · 29-02-2012 1:18am

Leave 'em in peace I say.

Though surely they must all be suffering from interbreeding and stuff at this stage?

Anyway, sounds like a pretty crass thing to come back from your holidays boasting about IMO.

Senna · 29-02-2012 1:30am

Its just like the tours in Longford to see the travelling community in their native caravan habitat.

jammstarr · 29-02-2012 1:31am

Pew pew!

Stinicker · 29-02-2012 1:38am

We could have a human safari in Dublin and Limerick the difference being the game on offer is Scangerus-Horriblus and its cousin Scumbagus-Heroinadikt. Replace cameras with rifles and AK-47's and everyones a winner. Double points for bagging a specimen not wearing a tracksuit.

Chuck Stone · 29-02-2012 1:45am

You never know - that tribe could get sponsored by Coca Cola or Adidas. Imagine all the free stuff the tribe could get and the advertising exposure the big brands would receive from all the tourists.

Sounds like a win win to me.

mackg · 29-02-2012 1:55am

Chuck Stone wrote: »

You never know - that tribe could get sponsored by Coca Cola or Adidas. Imagine all the free stuff the tribe could get and the advertising exposure the big brands would receive from all the tourists.

Sounds like a win win to me.

Some guy running from a puma in a pair of the latest pumas, that's advertising gold!