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27 Years Ago A Woman Contacted The Tribe That Killed John Chau, And Her Encounter Was Completely Different
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27 Years Ago A Woman Contacted The Tribe That Killed John Chau, And Her Encounter Was Completely Different

27 Years Ago A Woman Contacted The Tribe That Killed John Chau, And Her Encounter Was Completely DifferentIn 1991 This Woman Established Peaceful Contact With The Tribe That Recently Killed An IntruderIn 1991 A Woman Made Contact With The Tribe That Killed John Chau, And Had A Completely Peaceful Experience27 Years Ago A Woman Contacted The Tribe That Killed John Chau, And Her Encounter Was Completely Different27 Years Ago A Woman Contacted The Tribe That Killed John Chau, And Her Encounter Was Completely Different27 Years Ago A Woman Contacted The Tribe That Killed John Chau, And Her Encounter Was Completely Different27 Years Ago A Woman Contacted The Tribe That Killed John Chau, And Her Encounter Was Completely Different27 Years Ago A Woman Contacted The Tribe That Killed John Chau, And Her Encounter Was Completely Different27 Years Ago A Woman Contacted The Tribe That Killed John Chau, And Her Encounter Was Completely Different27 Years Ago A Woman Contacted The Tribe That Killed John Chau, And Her Encounter Was Completely Different
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The world is a mysterious place with so many vibrant and varying cultures. However, in this day and age, when everything is controlled by technology, it is easy to contact anyone from anywhere in the world. With over 7 billion people on this earth, there are still some native tribes that do not support nor understand our modern living ways, and their secluded lives remain untouched. Despite all of this, one human trait remains the same, and it is the need to explore and unravel the unknown. So it only makes sense that humans sometimes do all they can to get in touch with all the uncontacted tribes in the world, just to see how different they are from us.

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In 1991 one woman did the impossible by contacting the most isolated tribe in the world – the Sentinelese

Madhumala Chattopadhyay led an extraordinary expedition with one goal – to contact the Sentinelese tribe and reveal what life is like for these most secluded people, who are known to be dangerous and aggressive. In one interview Madhumala later explained “Never ever in my six years of researching along with the tribes of Andamans did any man ever misbehave with me. The tribes might be primitive in their technological achievements, but socially, they are far ahead of us.”

The tribe is located on the Andaman Islands, in the Indian Ocean

They are a part of Andamanese people, which also includes such tribes as the Onge, Shompen, and Jarawa. Even though people live relatively close to each other, their communication with the modern world is drastically different. The Jarawa tribe is known to be one of the most civilized of them all, yet the Sentinelese are considered to be the most dangerous and isolated.

Visiting the Sentinelese island is not only considered dangerous but it is also illegal

Due to various examples of failed friendly contact, the government of India has decided to leave the tribe alone. Now, visiting the North Sentinel island can also be deadly to the tribe since visitors can bring various bacteria, that the tribe members are not immune to.

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Recently, the media widely reported the death of a young Christian missionary named John Chau, who tried to enter the premises of the Sentinelese tribe resulting in his tragic death. This horrible event proved once again that the Sentinelese are not here to make friends.

And even though one successful expedition led by Mr. Pandit was already covered by the media, only a few know the incredible achievements of Madhumala Chattopadhyay.

Image credits: Probashionline

Since she was a 12-year-old girl, Madhumala was determined to meet these indigenous people of Sentinel Island. After she finished school at the top of her class, she started studying anthropology at the University of Calcutta. She later explained to her parents that studying anthropology was her ‘passport to the Ongers’, which is one of the Andamanese tribes.

Madhumala is one of a few people who managed to have friendly contact with the Sentinelese

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Her secret? Coconuts. The moment her boat reached the territory of the Sentinelese tribe, every person on her team started throwing coconuts, to show that they come in peace. It didn’t take long for the tribe to come closer, and even start picking coconuts out of the water. Soon after, Madhumala threw even more coconuts, and she was quickly able to get into the water with the tribe. To this day it is considered to be one of a few successful contacts with the native tribe. It is believed that the presence of a woman was the key to a successful contact. Madhumala has since revisited the tribe, and this time they were even more enthusiastic, they even climbed into the boat to pick the coconuts themselves.

Madhumala has also visited other Andamanese tribes, her closest contact was with the Jarawa

Image credits: Probashionline

In 1991 she went with another expedition and was the only woman from the outside world ever to visit the Jarawa. To not scare the native tribe, Madhumala first stayed on the boat, but soon after the Jarawa women noticed her, they started yelling “Milale chera” which would translate to “friend come here,” they even did an impromptu dance to show their joy of seeing a woman in the team. After the woman came closer to Madhumala, they started examining her hair and skin. Nobody expected the scientist to do what she did next. To show her support and friendship, Mudhamala embraced one of the tribe’s women, which resulted in a happy reaction from the tribe.

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The Jarawa are one of the friendliest tribes, so the woman quickly accepted Madhumala and even let her hold their babies and help them with their chores. The anthropologist was the only person invited inside the tribe’s huts and even shared food with them. Madhumala also became their doctor as she would help the indigenous people with their wounds.

Image credits: Probashionline

Even though Madhumala made major progress in contacting the world’s most isolated and unique tribes, there are only a few people who consider her as one of the best anthropologists of our time. Madhumala currently works in a central government ministry in Delhi, she handles routine government files, and only a few know the true impact she had in the outside world’s contact with the Sentinelese and Jarawa tribes.

If you want to learn more about the Sentinelese, make sure to check out our video about them!

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Bored Birgit
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why can't we just leave them alone? Without curiously exploring them? Bringing our bacteria, our way of living, our religion, whatever. Disturbing their isolation. Eventually bringing the wish for "better" or just other life to them. There are various examples of our influence on old tribes which did not end well. I fear the lately death of the unfortunate missionary will increase the attempt of various "adventurers" trying to get on this island on their own, just for a bit of fame. Please. Leave. Them. Alone.

Bored Birgit
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And a really good anthropologist should/would know that contact to an indigenous tribe has influence on them, and that leaving them on their own is the very best for them.

Load More Replies...
Daria B
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The part that mentions how culturally advanced these tribes are because they treat women with respect makes me think that this is only proof that it's unnatural to treat womem like shite for the mere reason of being female. It makes me really curious, though. All of the advanced societies in the world from either continent had (or still have) a point within culture where women are discriminated against, one way or another. Even without direct influences from abroad. Makes me wonder why and how it happens.

Hannah Ingram
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maori had always been like that pre-British influence. They had had female chiefs, homosexuality was fine, and they accepted identifying as the other gender. It was only when the brits came stated that it was punishable that it was all affected.

Load More Replies...
anarkzie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did not know Christian missionaries were still trying to civilise the world, any death is sad but I don't agree with what he was trying to do.

Pamela24
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in the Czech Republic which is said to be the most atheist country in the world. I remember finding a website of an American Christian couple (they were friends with my American high school teacher) where they explained why they're in Prague and what they're trying to do. It basically said that the Czech Republic is a beautiful country but sadly is underdeveloped and behind because we're not mainly Christians. It still makes me angry to this day.

Load More Replies...
Nosfentor
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shouldn't we be concerned if she had spread diseases that they had not been exposed to? I realize this was a while back, but still...

Popescu Adina
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Load More Replies...
Wil Vanderheijden
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just let these tribes be. Every time "civilised" people had encounters with isolated tribes it ruined the indigenous people and they suffered the consequences. It's a good thing that the Indian governement protects the Sentinelese. As for the fool that was killed by the Sentinelese: serves him right. It is illegal to visit the island and he was warned.

Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I understand your point of view, I agree with Daria B. Mrs Chattopadhyay is well educated and she knew what she was doing. And about imposing their lifestyle - well, I agree that if two cultures meet, they always impact each other. However, there IS difference between observation and impacting your lifestyle. If we did not interact with other tribes, we would never know anything about them. If I understand correctly, she restricted any invasive actions to minimum - she was rather watching and trying to understand. Maybe she affected them somehow - but her influence was minimal. And we know so much more, thanks to her.

Load More Replies...
Wanda Queen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She was also coming at them from a place of RESPECT, as opposed to pushing her religion or culture. Big difference, and good for her.

Marta Tymińska
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You forgot to mention that currently Jarawa are an (almost) extinct tribe and it took building a road on island to do that. Even the best intentions of anthropologists will not protect them from human greed. It's better not to create a career around exposing distant tribes. It should be more responsible.

Dre Mosley
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No sympathy for Chau. If they shoot arrows at you and chase you off, take the hint and don't return. His zealotry cost him his life. Just leave them be.

MBZ MetalsmithArtist
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely agree- plus he endangered them by exposing them to possible viruses that could have seriously damaged them. Who knows? He might have actually done so...there's no way to know if they are now suffering from an outbreak of the flu- it's not as if they're going to report it to the world

Load More Replies...
Amanda Panda
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We've got to leave this people alone. Physical illness is not the only disease we will spread to them.

Popescu Adina
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But pollution will get to them anyway through water and air, while sickness might reach them through the marine wildlife. Sooner or later they will be affected.

Load More Replies...
Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just what was it that she learned that was important enough to risk the natives lives? That they like coconuts? It's like someone coming into your house uninvited. What part of leave be alone is not being understood?

Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, it is more like coming to someone's house and knocking to the door. It's not like she forced them to interact - it was all along their choice, just as you do not need to open the door when somebody's knocking.

Load More Replies...
Azure Adams
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She did it the right way. Through respect, curiosity, humility, trust, understanding, and low expectations.

kat lia
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even in our world religion when brought up in a discussion or even in simple conversation would end up in a heated argument. Even among with families. Let's just respect them.

Kiki
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They probably did feel less threatened by a woman. For all we know, pirates could have landed on the island in the past and abused the natives and they decided to just treat everyone who comes to the island as an enemy.

Lu
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First rule of thumb when visiting someone, bring gifts. Religion Has historically never been out of kindness, but an excuse to colonize.

Marnee DeRider
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is John Chau's death tragic? He went there to destroy their culture. He might have done just as much harm as bringing a major disease to the island. More, because if th disease didn't wipe them out, they would recover, but missionaries who have destroyed cultures generally destroyed that culture permanently. Didn't we do enough harm in the previous century? We have to seek out one remaining tribe to destroy through missionary activities? The Sentalese were protecting their borders, just as all nations do one way or another.

JD Higginson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We need nothing from them...NOTHING and since they have seem to have been doing fine on their own why in the hell would anyone want to upset such a beautiful existence except for greed. Please don't turn these amazing people into us. I beg of anyone who thinks this is an opportunity to get rich to PLEASE leave these amazing people alone. To be honest I'm extremely jealous of how they live and how happy they all seem to be. <3

Vilkas
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hello there. Nice to meet you. Here's some diseases you have no immunities against.

Hard Cell
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you people posting hatred for missionaries are despicable. let me ask you, if these people are not in contact with the world around them from now until forever, do you think they are going to traverse the agrarian age, the exploration age and the industrial age and stand with us in the information age? you know that's not going to happen. they'll be in this same state for centuries to come. all of you act like they're still in eden and a pristine state. pathogens are not the only way they can be wiped out. you dont think they suffer infections/parasites/fevers? you are acting like preserving their isolation is noble and the will of the universe. you're concerned for the superficial while chau was concerned for the part of them that is not material. my concern is why do these people have a penchant for murdering outsiders on sight? they could be eating their offspring, sexually abusing children or sacrificing endangered animals to some jungle god... but leave them alone! right?

Vishy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of them have introduced diseases previously unknown to the tribe. At one time more than half were annhilated because of such unwarranted and unsafe contacts. The government is doing the right thing by controlling access. The jesus freak was warned not to venture, he still did.

Conrad Sichler
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The article states that the Sentinelese are "known to be dangerous and aggressive." Bit of projection in that, methinks. Modernist societies have proven themselves to be incredibly aggressive and dangerous to people, animals, and the ecology. It's like we live as if we aren't really inhabitants of this house, our planet.

Irene Walton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is such an interesting story. It's too bad they can't be left alone. People have to shove their c**p onto everyone else. They're probably happier than us

Charles Slavens
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's hope those children don't die of chickenpox. Can't all your religious zealots just leave people alone. The world would be a much better place.

Jada Collier
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I heard about this in a video. While that was a good action for the tribe to give us a chance or two, it's been made clear that they want to be left alone. Plus, that was a truce rather than a real peaceful contact.

Brooke Wagner
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean... They leave us alone and cause us no harm. I think it's cool were making contact, but clearly in other encounters they don't want to see us. I think that we should just leave them alone!! If they came to America, we would surely be surprised, disturbed, caught-off-track... You name it! We would tell them to go away. They are their own... Just let them live in peace! ☮︎

Megan Flanagan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She could have killed them all with illnesses they have no immunity to. Selfish and careless, this should not be encourage or even posted.

Lisa J
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This will article will only encourage people like John Chau.

Susanna Vesna
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really hope someone doesnt get ideas of putting bibles in coconuts now! On a serious note though, interesting to gradually find out that this tribe was contacted maaaany times before! The Media has been so misleading with their initial headlines!

Martha Meyer
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did you not read properly? There are several tribes. The one that killed John Chau is the most isolated and aggressive. The one this woman contacted is the most friendly.

Load More Replies...
Devin Best
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This article is ridiculous. Not only is it horribly written, but making this woman seem like she is a great anthropologist for visiting these people and endangering their lives with possible diseases, is asinine.

Popescu Adina
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is from India, the same place the island is. Whatever germs/bacteria she has, are similar to the ones they have. They don't live in void... air, water, marine animals already carry a ton of things from the region. Pollution will get to them too sooner or later too...

Load More Replies...
ptm45
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These idiots never thought that their very presence is dangerous for these people. We carry viruses that could wipe these people out! Use your brains! Please respect their desire to be LEFT ALONE! They don't need our technology, especially our religion. LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!!

Popescu Adina
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The lady is from India (where is islands are), her pack of germs is much more similar to those on the island than western people's. The white guy might have killed them but I'm assuming these people are not quite the 'dumb' variety. She even went to school for this and I bet she knew what she was doing.

Load More Replies...
Jörn P. Boll
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF! Just leave them alone and stop posting this clickbait-storys. Otherwise the next idiot will try the same. Sometimes I f**** hate social media!

Bored Birgit
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why can't we just leave them alone? Without curiously exploring them? Bringing our bacteria, our way of living, our religion, whatever. Disturbing their isolation. Eventually bringing the wish for "better" or just other life to them. There are various examples of our influence on old tribes which did not end well. I fear the lately death of the unfortunate missionary will increase the attempt of various "adventurers" trying to get on this island on their own, just for a bit of fame. Please. Leave. Them. Alone.

Bored Birgit
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And a really good anthropologist should/would know that contact to an indigenous tribe has influence on them, and that leaving them on their own is the very best for them.

Load More Replies...
Daria B
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The part that mentions how culturally advanced these tribes are because they treat women with respect makes me think that this is only proof that it's unnatural to treat womem like shite for the mere reason of being female. It makes me really curious, though. All of the advanced societies in the world from either continent had (or still have) a point within culture where women are discriminated against, one way or another. Even without direct influences from abroad. Makes me wonder why and how it happens.

Hannah Ingram
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maori had always been like that pre-British influence. They had had female chiefs, homosexuality was fine, and they accepted identifying as the other gender. It was only when the brits came stated that it was punishable that it was all affected.

Load More Replies...
anarkzie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did not know Christian missionaries were still trying to civilise the world, any death is sad but I don't agree with what he was trying to do.

Pamela24
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in the Czech Republic which is said to be the most atheist country in the world. I remember finding a website of an American Christian couple (they were friends with my American high school teacher) where they explained why they're in Prague and what they're trying to do. It basically said that the Czech Republic is a beautiful country but sadly is underdeveloped and behind because we're not mainly Christians. It still makes me angry to this day.

Load More Replies...
Nosfentor
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shouldn't we be concerned if she had spread diseases that they had not been exposed to? I realize this was a while back, but still...

Popescu Adina
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Load More Replies...
Wil Vanderheijden
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just let these tribes be. Every time "civilised" people had encounters with isolated tribes it ruined the indigenous people and they suffered the consequences. It's a good thing that the Indian governement protects the Sentinelese. As for the fool that was killed by the Sentinelese: serves him right. It is illegal to visit the island and he was warned.

Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I understand your point of view, I agree with Daria B. Mrs Chattopadhyay is well educated and she knew what she was doing. And about imposing their lifestyle - well, I agree that if two cultures meet, they always impact each other. However, there IS difference between observation and impacting your lifestyle. If we did not interact with other tribes, we would never know anything about them. If I understand correctly, she restricted any invasive actions to minimum - she was rather watching and trying to understand. Maybe she affected them somehow - but her influence was minimal. And we know so much more, thanks to her.

Load More Replies...
Wanda Queen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She was also coming at them from a place of RESPECT, as opposed to pushing her religion or culture. Big difference, and good for her.

Marta Tymińska
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You forgot to mention that currently Jarawa are an (almost) extinct tribe and it took building a road on island to do that. Even the best intentions of anthropologists will not protect them from human greed. It's better not to create a career around exposing distant tribes. It should be more responsible.

Dre Mosley
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No sympathy for Chau. If they shoot arrows at you and chase you off, take the hint and don't return. His zealotry cost him his life. Just leave them be.

MBZ MetalsmithArtist
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely agree- plus he endangered them by exposing them to possible viruses that could have seriously damaged them. Who knows? He might have actually done so...there's no way to know if they are now suffering from an outbreak of the flu- it's not as if they're going to report it to the world

Load More Replies...
Amanda Panda
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We've got to leave this people alone. Physical illness is not the only disease we will spread to them.

Popescu Adina
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But pollution will get to them anyway through water and air, while sickness might reach them through the marine wildlife. Sooner or later they will be affected.

Load More Replies...
Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just what was it that she learned that was important enough to risk the natives lives? That they like coconuts? It's like someone coming into your house uninvited. What part of leave be alone is not being understood?

Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, it is more like coming to someone's house and knocking to the door. It's not like she forced them to interact - it was all along their choice, just as you do not need to open the door when somebody's knocking.

Load More Replies...
Azure Adams
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She did it the right way. Through respect, curiosity, humility, trust, understanding, and low expectations.

kat lia
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even in our world religion when brought up in a discussion or even in simple conversation would end up in a heated argument. Even among with families. Let's just respect them.

Kiki
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They probably did feel less threatened by a woman. For all we know, pirates could have landed on the island in the past and abused the natives and they decided to just treat everyone who comes to the island as an enemy.

Lu
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First rule of thumb when visiting someone, bring gifts. Religion Has historically never been out of kindness, but an excuse to colonize.

Marnee DeRider
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is John Chau's death tragic? He went there to destroy their culture. He might have done just as much harm as bringing a major disease to the island. More, because if th disease didn't wipe them out, they would recover, but missionaries who have destroyed cultures generally destroyed that culture permanently. Didn't we do enough harm in the previous century? We have to seek out one remaining tribe to destroy through missionary activities? The Sentalese were protecting their borders, just as all nations do one way or another.

JD Higginson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We need nothing from them...NOTHING and since they have seem to have been doing fine on their own why in the hell would anyone want to upset such a beautiful existence except for greed. Please don't turn these amazing people into us. I beg of anyone who thinks this is an opportunity to get rich to PLEASE leave these amazing people alone. To be honest I'm extremely jealous of how they live and how happy they all seem to be. <3

Vilkas
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hello there. Nice to meet you. Here's some diseases you have no immunities against.

Hard Cell
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you people posting hatred for missionaries are despicable. let me ask you, if these people are not in contact with the world around them from now until forever, do you think they are going to traverse the agrarian age, the exploration age and the industrial age and stand with us in the information age? you know that's not going to happen. they'll be in this same state for centuries to come. all of you act like they're still in eden and a pristine state. pathogens are not the only way they can be wiped out. you dont think they suffer infections/parasites/fevers? you are acting like preserving their isolation is noble and the will of the universe. you're concerned for the superficial while chau was concerned for the part of them that is not material. my concern is why do these people have a penchant for murdering outsiders on sight? they could be eating their offspring, sexually abusing children or sacrificing endangered animals to some jungle god... but leave them alone! right?

Vishy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of them have introduced diseases previously unknown to the tribe. At one time more than half were annhilated because of such unwarranted and unsafe contacts. The government is doing the right thing by controlling access. The jesus freak was warned not to venture, he still did.

Conrad Sichler
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The article states that the Sentinelese are "known to be dangerous and aggressive." Bit of projection in that, methinks. Modernist societies have proven themselves to be incredibly aggressive and dangerous to people, animals, and the ecology. It's like we live as if we aren't really inhabitants of this house, our planet.

Irene Walton
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is such an interesting story. It's too bad they can't be left alone. People have to shove their c**p onto everyone else. They're probably happier than us

Charles Slavens
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's hope those children don't die of chickenpox. Can't all your religious zealots just leave people alone. The world would be a much better place.

Jada Collier
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I heard about this in a video. While that was a good action for the tribe to give us a chance or two, it's been made clear that they want to be left alone. Plus, that was a truce rather than a real peaceful contact.

Brooke Wagner
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean... They leave us alone and cause us no harm. I think it's cool were making contact, but clearly in other encounters they don't want to see us. I think that we should just leave them alone!! If they came to America, we would surely be surprised, disturbed, caught-off-track... You name it! We would tell them to go away. They are their own... Just let them live in peace! ☮︎

Megan Flanagan
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She could have killed them all with illnesses they have no immunity to. Selfish and careless, this should not be encourage or even posted.

Lisa J
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This will article will only encourage people like John Chau.

Susanna Vesna
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really hope someone doesnt get ideas of putting bibles in coconuts now! On a serious note though, interesting to gradually find out that this tribe was contacted maaaany times before! The Media has been so misleading with their initial headlines!

Martha Meyer
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did you not read properly? There are several tribes. The one that killed John Chau is the most isolated and aggressive. The one this woman contacted is the most friendly.

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Devin Best
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This article is ridiculous. Not only is it horribly written, but making this woman seem like she is a great anthropologist for visiting these people and endangering their lives with possible diseases, is asinine.

Popescu Adina
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is from India, the same place the island is. Whatever germs/bacteria she has, are similar to the ones they have. They don't live in void... air, water, marine animals already carry a ton of things from the region. Pollution will get to them too sooner or later too...

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ptm45
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These idiots never thought that their very presence is dangerous for these people. We carry viruses that could wipe these people out! Use your brains! Please respect their desire to be LEFT ALONE! They don't need our technology, especially our religion. LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!!

Popescu Adina
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The lady is from India (where is islands are), her pack of germs is much more similar to those on the island than western people's. The white guy might have killed them but I'm assuming these people are not quite the 'dumb' variety. She even went to school for this and I bet she knew what she was doing.

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Jörn P. Boll
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF! Just leave them alone and stop posting this clickbait-storys. Otherwise the next idiot will try the same. Sometimes I f**** hate social media!

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