Indigenous Cultures in the Rainforest: Biodiversity - Essay Example

It is believed that the Kayapo are an ecologically evolved population and are an example of living in balance with the ecosystem. They are generally non-aggressive and have a rich tradition of rituals. They are an ancient culture that has its foundations in seasonal farming and gathering. How are beliefs and ideas about this issue transmitted through culture (Rituals, Norms, Socialization, etc.)Beliefs and ideas surrounding the issue of using the rainforest, and the purpose of the rainforest, are passed from generation to generation through socialization.

Socialization is the process where people learn the customs and acceptable behaviors of the community in which they live. Customs are the traditionally accepted norms, standards, and ways of doing things. Often these customs are passed through rituals, a formal ceremony that is usually symbolic. The symbolism represents a belief and this is shared by a group such as a family or community. By socialization, a culture passes its customs and norms to the next generation and they develop a set of values based on these beliefs, customs, and norms.

Values are the abstract belief in a system of right, wrong, fair, and decent. Values may vary from culture to culture and may include honesty, chastity, integrity, and dependability. This is the way people learn to act appropriately. For the Kayapo, this process was interrupted by the development of the rainforest material wealth. What demands does the group make How could they make these demands known Kayapo had splintered into three factions that all had different demands? One group wanted to continue to mine and log the rainforest on their own without miners or loggers.

Another group wanted the miners and loggers to do the work and share the profits. A third group demanded the area stop being exploited and destroyed (Rabben 1995). Their appeals for support for their demands were raised through protests against the government. This was ineffectual, as the government was reluctant to act forcibly. Some tribal members appealed to the elders for assistance. Those that wanted the miners removed took action into their own hands and evicted them. Those that wanted a moratorium on the destruction of the rainforest sought government help as well as appealing to public opinion (Rabben 1995).