The President of the United States, Joe Biden, recently came under fire for remarks he made that were perceived to be disparaging by the people of Papua New Guinea. These controversial referances, which seemed to insinuate a link with cannibalism, have been met with significant pushback from the Pacific Island nation.
A transcript from Biden’s speech reveals the controversial segment that said, Think about it… you know, if we promoted reuse, maybe they’d be saying ‘this is too wasteful, we should find a better use for our resources.’ Maybe they’d even become cannibals trying to find enough energy. This, however, was perceived as an uncharitable stereotype, particularly by the citizens of Papua New Guinea, a country that, although it has a record of such practices in the distant past, has significantly evolved ever since.
The backlash was immediate in Papua New Guinea, where many people saw the remark as reinforcing an old and dated stereotype. Papua New Guinea is a diverse nation with over 800 different languages spoken amongst its population of just over 8 million people. Despite its historical anthropophagic practices on the wane for decades, the mention of cannibalism in connection with the country has created a furor.
The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, responded to Biden’s comment, expressing his deep displeasure and stating that such remarks tarnished the nation’s image. We are not cannibals, Marape stated emphatically during a Press Conference, we are a forward-thinking nation that deserves respect.
Biden’s comments also drew criticism from academics and anthropologists who have studied Papua New Guinea and its cultures extensively. They argue that, while it is true that cannibalism was practiced in some parts of the country until the late 19th century, as a tool for warfare or spiritual practices, it has not been prevalent for over a century. They see Biden’s remarks as a gross misrepresentation of the current state of this vibrant cultural hub.
Beyond Papua New Guinea, the international community also expressed its concerns and criticisms. The global advocacy group, Cultural Survival, immediately released a statement denouncing Biden’s remarks, arguing that they perpetuated harmful misinformation about indigenous communities.
The implications of President Biden’s remarks extend further than just an erroneous stereotype. They shed light on the importance of understanding and respecting foreign cultures in an increasingly globalized world. At a time when the US is striving to build better relations with various nations around the globe, such comments potentially serve to mar diplomatic progress.
While it remains undeniable that President Biden’s controversial remarks were a misstep, it is crucial that moving forward, greater care is taken in considering the historical and cultural sensitivities of other nations. It underlines the ongoing need for world leaders to learn and respect the diverse cultural heritage of nations worldwide in order to foster international harmony.
