Return of the 'Noble Savage': Misrepresenting the Past, Present and Future

Abstract

The view that a 'noble savage'/'ecologically noble savage' existed in peaceful harmony with nature is a concept that has permeated writings in anthropology, cultural studies, philosophy, political science, literary and art criticism, and in the popular media over many years. The idea of the 'noble savage'/'ecologically noble savage' has resurfaced in recent publications and this article questions the reasons for this and discusses the negative implications of such views. A critique of these concepts may be interpreted as an attack on indigenous peoples or is at least considered insensitive, if not politically dangerous. But to continue to accept the 'noble savage'/'ecologically noble savage' requires a substantial suspension of disbelief. When indigenous peoples are stereotyped as 'noble savages' they are once again frozen in the past and therefore can have little to contribute to human history. There is a continuing need to search for a view that focuses on a much more positive engagement with indigenous peoples on environmental issues.

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