Avatar, Pocahontas, a Romanian Philosopher and The Myth of the Noble Savage: the Story Behind a Dangerous Cliché

The myth of the noble savage is a story that some people believe about indigenous peoples. It’s the idea that people who live in traditional societies, close to nature, are more innocent and good than people in modern societies. It’s like saying they are like superheroes of goodness because they haven’t been changed by cities and technology. But this is not fair because it makes it seem like these people are not fully human with their own complex lives and choices. It’s important to remember that all people, no matter where they live, are capable of both great and not-so-great things, just like everyone else.

The Noble Savage: A Troublesome Cliché 

The concept of my blog is to humorously challenge myths while maintaining respect. Today, I address the lasting and intriguing notion of the "Noble Savage" myth.

Let’s set the scene: Imagine a world where the “noble savage” is not just a character in an outdated screenplay but a stereotype that’s been invited to dinner and is now refusing to leave. It’s like that one guest who overstays their welcome, and no matter how many times you yawn or glance at the clock, they just don’t get the hint.

Now, the “noble savage” myth is a bit like saying, “Hey, you’re so good because you’re so… untouched by civilization.” It’s the equivalent of praising someone for being great at swimming when they’ve never even seen a pool. It’s well-intentioned but misses the mark by a mile.

Mircea Eliade, a Romanian scholar with a name so cool it sounds like it belongs to a wizard, pointed out that this myth stems from primitive beliefs (For more information, see the conclusion of this blog entry.). 

The "invasion" of Africa

The common perception is that upon the arrival of Europeans in Africa, the indigenous population was composed of tribal, benevolent, and naive individuals who were later tainted by the malevolent Europeans and their sophisticated technology. Here's the truth: 500 years ago when Europeans packed their bags and went on their not-so-relaxing holiday to Africa, they didn’t find the “kind primitive people living in huts” as advertised. Instead, they stumbled upon empires in Congo and Angola, which were more ‘Game of Thrones’ than ‘Gilligan’s Island.’. During the 13th and 14th centuries, the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa, its ruler (some say the wealthiest individual ever), experienced what could be likened to a modern-day shopping spree. Imagine him not with gold coins, but with a gold credit card in hand, wandering through the markets and purchasing everything from camels adorned with designer saddles to sandcastles topped with genuine gold turrets.

These empires weren’t playing around. They had politics, economies, and social structures that would make your head spin. Reducing these complex societies to a single stereotype is like trying to summarize the entire plot of ‘Game of Thrones’ in a single tweet. Spoiler alert: It’s impossible, and you’ll probably just end up confusing everyone.

And yet, this myth persists, especially among the so-called progressive left, who sometimes act like they’re auditioning for the role of “spokesperson for the oppressed.” But here’s the thing: people don’t need a voiceover; they need a microphone. It’s about passing the mic, not narrating the story.

So, let’s raise a glass (or a coffee cup, for those reading this at work) to the real heroes: the diverse, complex, and utterly human individuals who make up our world. Here’s to giving everyone the stage, not just a character role in someone else’s play.

And remember, the next time someone tries to sell you the “noble savage” myth, just tell them, “Thanks, but no thanks. I prefer my history with a side of reality, not stereotypes.”

The Noble Savage Myth in Popular Culture

The "noble savage" myth has been a recurring theme in popular culture, often depicted in films that contrast the purity of a primitive civilization with the corruption of modern society. This trope can be seen in movies like James Cameron's "Avatar" where the Na'vi people of Pandora live in harmony with nature until they are threatened by human invaders seeking to exploit their resources.

In "Avatar," the Na'vi represent the archetype of the noble savage: innocent, spiritually connected to their environment, and morally superior to the technologically advanced, but ethically flawed humans. The film portrays the Na'vi as living an idyllic life, deeply in tune with the flora and fauna of their world, which stands in stark contrast to the human characters who are driven by greed and destruction.

This narrative is not new and has been explored in various forms throughout the history of literature and film. It often serves as a critique of modern civilization, suggesting that in the pursuit of progress, humanity has lost its way. However, it also simplifies complex societies and reduces them to a single, romanticized image, which can be problematic. Here are a few other films that explore this concept:

- "The Last Samurai": This film presents the samurai as noble warriors with a deep connection to tradition and honor, contrasting them with Western values.

- "Dances with Wolves": Kevin Costner's character finds a deeper connection with the Lakota tribe than with his own culture, highlighting the trope through his interactions with Native Americans.

- "The Emerald Forest": Based on a true story, this film depicts a boy raised by an Amazonian tribe, showcasing their harmonious life in contrast to the modern world.

- "Pocahontas": Although a Disney animated film, it portrays the Native American heroine and her people as living in harmony with nature, juxtaposed against the invading Europeans.

The noble savage myth, while it may seem to celebrate the virtues of indigenous peoples, actually perpetuates a patronizing view. It fails to recognize the full humanity of these groups, including their capacity for both good and evil, and their own complex histories and social structures. Instead of presenting a nuanced portrayal, it often ends up reinforcing stereotypes and ignoring the real challenges faced by these communities.

In conclusion, while films like "Avatar" offer stunning visual storytelling and bring attention to important themes such as environmentalism and the rights of indigenous peoples, they also run the risk of perpetuating the noble savage myth. It's essential to approach such narratives with a critical eye and recognize the importance of representing all peoples with the complexity and dignity they deserve.

Challenging this dangerous Myth

There are films that challenge the noble savage cliché by presenting more nuanced and realistic portrayals of indigenous cultures or by directly critiquing the trope itself. Here are a few examples:

- "Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner": This film is a notable departure from the noble savage trope. It's an Inuit-produced film that tells a story from their own cultural perspective, focusing on complex characters and community dynamics.

- "Smoke Signals": Based on a short story by Sherman Alexie, this film offers a contemporary view of Native American life that challenges stereotypes.

- "Rabbit-Proof Fence": This Australian film tells the true story of three Aboriginal girls who escape after being forcibly taken from their families, showcasing their resilience and challenging paternalistic narratives.

- "The Mission": Set in the 18th century, this film examines the impact of colonialism on indigenous people in South America, questioning the simplistic view of noble savages and the role of missionaries.

These films aim to provide a more authentic representation of indigenous peoples, avoiding the romanticization common in the noble savage narrative. They often highlight the complexities of indigenous cultures and the challenges they face, offering a counter-narrative to the oversimplified and patronizing views of the past.

Mircea Eliade

One of my favorites philosophers Mircea Eliade, a renowned historian of religion, delved into the depths of myth and its role in human societies. His insights can shed light on the "noble savage" myth and its implications. Eliade's work often focused on the dichotomy between the sacred and the profane, suggesting that traditional societies viewed reality through a lens that distinguished between these two realms.

Eliade posited that myths serve as a bridge to the sacred, allowing people to reconnect with the primordial times when the world was first shaped by the gods or mythical ancestors. This connection to the "mythical age" is crucial because it is seen as a time of purity and authenticity, untainted by the complexities and corruptions of modern life.

In the context of the "noble savage" myth, Eliade's theories suggest that the idealization of primitive people as noble savages could stem from a religious tendency to idealize the primordial past. The myth reflects a longing for a return to the beginnings, to a time perceived as more authentic and spiritually whole. This idealization can be seen as a form of escapism, a way to cope with the perceived "terror of history"—the chaos and suffering that come with human progress and historical events.

However, Eliade also recognized that such idealizations could be problematic. By romanticizing the past and the "primitive," there is a risk of oversimplifying complex societies and ignoring their actual historical and cultural achievements. The "noble savage" myth, therefore, can be seen as a double-edged sword: it acknowledges the sacredness of the primordial past but at the same time can diminish the real, lived experiences of indigenous peoples by casting them in an overly simplistic and romantic light.

Eliade's work invites us to reflect on the power of myth and its influence on our understanding of different cultures. It challenges us to look beyond the stereotypes and to appreciate the rich tapestry of human history in all its complexity.