Date: Tue, 2 Feb 99 15:14:56 EST
From: "Brian J. Callahan" <Brian=J.=Callahan%MT%DFCI-AT-EYE.DFCI.HARVARD.EDU>
Subject: re: baby food


Jonathan writes:
>Before I'm accused of cruelty, though, I would ask you to find me evidence
>of a true "primitive" tribe that actually beat its children on a daily
>basis.  I don't think one exists, because the personality type that beats
>children doesn't occur in a tribe where every member is concerned for the
>welfare of every other member.  While certainly "cruel" practices exist in
>"primitive" tribes, I think that one will find that our society is far
>crueller to its members on a far more regular basis than any tribe ever was.

I'd bet, in general, hunter gatherer societies had much less child abuse, 
based on the limited observations modern anthropology has made.  But, and 
maybe I missed your answer to this question earlier, are you suggesting we 
call of 4 billion people or so, so that the remainder can live as hunter-
gatherers?  If so, that seems more oppressive (of those 4 billion, anyway) 
than almost political system I've seen described.  If not, how could you 
recreate the hunter-gatherer mode?