Killed Quote by Daniel L. Everett
““When we returned from our jog, several Pirahãs were huddled in a corner of our house, and there was a strong smell of alcohol in the air. Those in the huddle looked conspiratorial and stared at us. Some seemed angry, others ashamed. Others just stared down at something on the ground that they were all surrounding. As I approached, they parted. Pokó’s baby was on the ground, dead. They had forced cachaça down its throat and killed it. “What happened to the baby?” I asked, almost in tears. “It died. It was in pain. It wanted to die,” they replied. I just picked up the baby and held it, with tears now beginning to stream down my cheeks. “Why would they kill a baby?” I asked myself in confusion and grief.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “Language: The Cultural Tool” by Daniel L. Everett, 2012
A tragic incident where a community killed a baby after forcing alcohol, reflecting deep cultural distress and moral conflict.
In simple terms: A community killed a baby after giving it alcohol, showing profound grief and cultural turmoil.
Key Takeaway
Consider cultural context when confronting shocking practices.
Themes
culture
ethics
grief
misunderstanding
anthropology
Mood
sorrowful
reflective
Type
anthropological
ethical
When to use this quote
- fieldwork
- cross‑cultural encounters
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
cultural relativism
moral conflict
trauma
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this reveal about cultural relativism limits?
- How can outsiders respond compassionately yet responsibly?
A Different Perspective
Cultural explanations may not excuse harm; moral responsibility remains.
