This article by Jared Diamond has some incredibly interesting facts about Tasmania and demonstrates why it is a place worth studying and visiting. He also sheds light on the attitudes of the Europeans towards Tasmanians as "primitive people". One fascinating fact is that the inhabitants of Tasmania used to walk around naked in the summer and winter, even in extreme temperatures. While many call this "primitive", it showcases how natives were able to adapt their bodies to the temperature and climate of the island over many generations.
On the colonial invasion of Tasmania, Diamond talks about the brutality of the people who inhabited the island and tried to get rid of the indigenous people. One of the examples of their brutality was that in 1828, the governor of Tasmania declared martial law, permitting Europeans to shoot Aborigines on sight if they were found lurking in European settlements.
Diamond's investigations of Tasmania evoke a sense of wonder, awe, and a realization of the brutality of mankind. Some of the themes touched upon in this article are also part of his book, Guns, Germs and Steel.
Rehan
Rehan, thank you for sharing this interesting article. I think it gives a brilliant example of historic incidents of issues that "cultural relativism" can invoke. Europeans likely used the aboriginal Tasmanians' nakedness as a reason to justify their extermination efforts, although this is clearly unjust and wrong.
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