In his autobiography, John G. Paton uses very politically incorrect terms when describing people from Vanuatu. Among other things he calls them ‘savages’ and ‘heathens’. This may not be pc language to use in 2010. But I really don’t have a problem with him using words like ‘savage’ when describing a people group who are known for cannibalism (and not just of Christian missionaries!), infanticide and the random sacrifice of women.
The people of Vanuatu are very different from what they were like 170 years ago. They no longer practice cannibalism, infanticide and the sacrifice of women. They really are beautiful people displaying the fruit of the Spirit.
It got me thinking. Who are the real savages?
Lots of Australians visit Vanuatu each year. I’d argue that as a generalisation, we as a people group are the savages.
- Corporate culture in Australia is almost cannibalistic in people devouring one another to get ahead.
- Some 100,000 young Australians are systematically destroyed in the name of free choice and convenience.
- I’m confident many of the end of season footy trips from Australia to Vanuatu are characterised by players treating women without dignity and respect, little more than a piece of meat.
170 years ago, Western culture would have had a thing or two to teach the people from Vanuatu. Today though, I think there is much more that we can learn from them about what it means to be human.
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