Wade Davis: Dreams from endangered cultures

The video explores the richness of cultural diversity through ethnographic research, highlighting the unique practices and beliefs of various indigenous groups. It emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural diversity, which is threatened by globalization and language loss. The concept of the ethnosphere is introduced as a cultural web of life, akin to the biosphere. The video advocates for storytelling as a powerful tool to preserve cultural heritage and promote a multicultural world.

What is the central revelation of anthropology as discussed in the introduction?

• All cultures are the same.

• The world is an absolute reality.

• The world is a model of reality shaped by cultural choices.

• Technology defines human existence.

What is the ethnosphere?

• A type of ecosystem.

• A biological web of life.

• The sum total of all thoughts and dreams of humanity.

• A new language.

Why is language loss considered a significant indicator of cultural erosion?

• Languages are not important.

• Languages are a vehicle for cultural identity.

• Languages are just vocabulary.

• Languages are easy to learn.

What unique marriage rule is practiced by the Barasana people?

• Marrying based on wealth.

• Marrying someone from a different language group.

• Marrying within the same language group.

• Marrying based on age.

What is a key aspect of Voodoo as described in the text?

• It is a simple belief system.

• It is a modern religion.

• It is a complex metaphysical worldview.

• It is a form of black magic.

How do the Kogi people view their role in the world?

• As followers of modern technology.

• As protectors of the ecological balance.

• As conquerors of nature.

• As isolated from the world.

What does the term 'ethnocide' refer to?

• The physical extinction of a people.

• The destruction of a people's way of life.

• The celebration of cultural diversity.

• The preservation of languages.

What is the significance of the story about the Inuit man's grandfather?

• It highlights the resilience and adaptability of indigenous people.

• It illustrates the Inuit's reliance on modern tools.

• It shows the technological advancement of the Inuit.

• It demonstrates the Inuit's fear of the cold.

What is the main goal of National Geographic's storytelling efforts?

• To promote technological innovation.

• To focus on political issues.

• To preserve cultural diversity and understanding.

• To entertain with fictional stories.

What choice does the text suggest we have regarding cultural diversity?

• To focus solely on technological progress.

• To ignore cultural differences.

• To live in a monochromatic world.

• To embrace a polychromatic world of diversity.