1. From (b)edouin to (a)borigine: the myth of the desert noble savage.
- Author
-
Graulund R
- Subjects
- Arabia ethnology, Australia ethnology, Desert Climate, History, 18th Century, History, 19th Century, History, 20th Century, History, 21st Century, Humans, Population Groups education, Population Groups ethnology, Population Groups history, Population Groups legislation & jurisprudence, Population Groups psychology, Prejudice, Race Relations history, Race Relations legislation & jurisprudence, Race Relations psychology, Anthropology, Cultural education, Anthropology, Cultural history, Arabs education, Arabs ethnology, Arabs history, Arabs legislation & jurisprudence, Arabs psychology, Folklore, Physical Endurance physiology, Social Conditions economics, Social Conditions history
- Abstract
This article examines the myth of the supposed superiority of the desert noble savage over civilized man. With the Bedouin of Arabia and the Aborigines of Australia as its two prime examples, the article argues that two versions of this myth can be traced: one in which the desert noble savage is valorized due to his valour, physical prowess and martial skill (Bedouin); and another, later version, where the desert noble savage is valorized as a pacifist, an ecologist and a mythmaker/storyteller (Aborigines). The article concludes by examining the way in which this turn from one type of desert noble savage to another reflects the manner in which western modernity has shifted its values from Cartesian dualities and Enlightenment rationalism to that of networks, potentialities, ecology and myth.
- Published
- 2009
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