Many people believe romantic stereotypes of indigenous people as “natural environmentalists.” Other people hold a belief that humans are “naturally destructive.” Based on the readings and videos related to Environmental Anthropology, we have seen that neither of these beliefs is quite accurate. Why is the “Ecological Indian” stereotype inaccurate?

The task is to write a few paragraphs answering the questions below. Does not have to be a specific style just proper paragraphs is fine.

Many people believe romantic stereotypes of indigenous people as “natural environmentalists.” Other people hold a belief that humans are “naturally destructive.” Based on the readings and videos related to Environmental Anthropology, we have seen that neither of these beliefs is quite accurate. Why is the “Ecological Indian” stereotype inaccurate? On the other hand, why is it inaccurate to imply that all cultures are equally destructive of the environment? What do these readings & videos tell us about the best way to address environmental issues? Provide examples and details from the course material to back up your ideas.

Please use at least 3 of the following sources below when answering the questions be sure to refer back to some of these:

1. The Ecological Indian (PSA & Article)
Here is an old Public Service Announcement about environmentalism:

This PSA relies on a common stereotype sometimes called “the Ecological Indian” – the belief that Native Peoples live/lived in harmony with the land and are perfect stewards of the environment. There are problems with this oversimplification.

Read this article linked below to learn why “the Ecological Indian” concept is not entirely accurate: SEARCH “The Problem With The Ecological Indian Stereotype”

2. https://e360.yale.edu/features/native-knowledge-what-ecologists-are-learning-from-indigenous-people

3. The Hidden Costs of Hamburgers (youtube video)

This is a video you watched last week, but it also relates to this week’s chapter! This video goes into more detail on the hidden costs of hamburgers, covered in textbook chapter 7’s section “Thinking Like an Anthropologist: Identifying Hidden Costs.” As you watch this video, think about who pays these hidden costs – is it just the people eating hamburgers, or are the costs paid by other people around the world? Do you think inequality makes some people more deeply affected than others?

Web Resources
1. Anthropology and Environment Society Blog (http://www.aaanet.org/sections/ae/index.php/category/engagement-blog/)
Guest bloggers from across the subfield of environmental anthropology report on ongoing research, muse about enduring questions, and respond to contemporary events. An excellent place to understand the range of issues that occupy the attention of the subfield today.
2. World Parks Congress (https://www.iucn.org/theme/protected-areas/about/congresses/world-parks-congress)
The World Parks Congress website describes its organizational goals and resources that serve as a global forum on protected areas. The materials chronicle protected areas around the globe and showcase discussions from their biannual meetings.
3. The United Nations Environment Programme (https://www.unep-wcmc.org/featured-projects/mapping-the-worlds-special-places)
This UN website provides background on protected areas around the globe. The World Database on Protected Areas offers open access to information on biodiversity and conservation in protected areas to encourage citizen oversight of these spaces.

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