The Honors College at FIU
John Bailly, Fellow
e: baillyj@fiu.edu
w: http://www.johnbailly.com/
THE FOREST PEOPLE PROJECT
“There in the tiny clearing, splashed with silver, was the sophisticated Kenge, clad in bark cloth, adorned with leaves, with a flower stuck in his hair. He was all alone, dancing around and singing softly to himself as he gazed up at the treetops.
Now Kenge was the biggest flirt for miles, so, after watching a while, I came into the clearing and asked, jokingly, why he was dancing alone. He stopped, turned slowly around and looked at me as though I was the biggest fool he had ever seen; and he was plainly surprised by my stupidity.
'But I'm not dancing alone,' he said. I'm dancing with the forest, dancing with the moon.' Then, with the utmost unconcern, he ignored me and continued his dance of love and life.”
From Colin Turnbull’s The Forest People
Colin Turnbull’s The Forest People describes the community of the BaMbuti Pygmies. Compare at least three of the following aspects of the BaMbuti community with your own. Clearly recount both the examples you use from the book as well as your personal experiences. Be specific.
- relationship to the natural environment
- conflict resolution - law
- community decision making – government
- the role of magic and religion
- death
- building and permanence of dwellings
- relationship with other communities
- gender relationships
- family & marriage
Explain similarities and differences. In your comparative analysis, reflect on whose tradition and manners you find most appealing. Do you think the BaMbuti are “primitive”? How so or not so? Does this book describe how communities originate? How do you define “civilized”? What characterizes a developed society? Are you an active member of your community? Try to recount your personal experience with the same “life” Turnbull does for the BaMbuti.
This paper can be in the form of an essay, short story, or poem.
Please demonstrate a thorough understanding of the book. The paper should be from 3 to 5 pages.
Download project as a Microsoft Word document
The Honors College at FIU
John Bailly, Fellow
e: baillyj@fiu.edu
FIU University Park Campus, DM 233
11200 SW 8TH ST
Miami, FL 33199
t: 305-348-0297
f: 305-348-2118
w: http://www.johnbailly.com/
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