I was just curious as to why it seemed as though you had to bear the entire blame for the incident
when it appeared to me as though you were not aware of the taboo? Chief Jose even says after the
incident occurs, "We should have sent someone with them... If we had, they would not have returned
with it." How could you be expected to obey a taboo you didn't know about, or take the full
responsibility / punishment for it? If it were such a serious taboo, it would be one of the very
first things I'd teach you as "chief/father." If you disobeyed thereafter, then it *would* be your
responsibility..

Nonetheless, great show, and I hope you do more of them....

i really like the show, and i like mark and olly, but this just seems like a big DUH! to me. i know they researched the culture before arriving, shouldn't they know certain taboos to stay away from? it kinda makes you wonder if the incident was "scripted."

quote:

Originally posted by mag3rd:
I was just curious as to why it seemed as though you had to bear the entire blame for the incident
when it appeared to me as though you were not aware of the taboo? Chief Jose even says after the
incident occurs, "We should have sent someone with them... If we had, they would not have returned
with it." How could you be expected to obey a taboo you didn't know about, or take the full
responsibility / punishment for it? If it were such a serious taboo, it would be one of the very
first things I'd teach you as "chief/father." If you disobeyed thereafter, then it *would* be your
responsibility..

Nonetheless, great show, and I hope you do more of them....

I think taking the punishment is a way you also prove your friendship. I am glad that Mark and Olly were able to stick it out. Trust seems to be a main issue with this tribe.

I loved the show and will miss seeing it each week. Thank you Mark, Olly and staff for another fantastic introduction into the unknown. Each time I watch you have left with with new insights (some good and some not so good)that forever will alter many. So from my heart, thank you all and God bless, stay safe I;ll be waiting for your next series.

Carol, Ct, USA

I'm sure we just saw the tip of the iceberg. Mark and Olly couldn't possibly learn everything about a culture in just 4 months.

quote:

Originally posted by billiey36:
I'm sure we just saw the tip of the iceberg. Mark and Olly couldn't possibly learn everything about a culture in just 4 months.

I guess it's just that if it were such a severe taboo with as serious consequences as they indicated, it would be one of the very first things I'd caution them about upon beginning with the tribe. I recall when they became "Mek" men, Chief Markus sat them down and went through a laundry list of things they should and shouldn't do. Likewise, when they got in trouble with Chief Markus for removing their gourds, it was only after they were cautioned *not* to remove them, but they did anyway. In that case, I would expect some punishment.

I understand why M & O accepted the punishment - it did work very well to regain the trust of the Machigenga. But I was expecting Chief Jose to bear at least some of the responsibility, for as he said, "We should not have let them go alone. If we had gone with them, they wouldn't have done this."