Social habits of Native peoples (was Re: why would an AI want to be friendly?)

From: Brian D Williams (talon57@well.com)
Date: Mon Sep 25 2000 - 09:28:22 MDT


From: "Zero Powers" <zero_powers@hotmail.com>

>>Since when are Native Americans Socialists or Communists?

>Hmmm. They hunted together and shared the spoils with the entire
>tribe. Each one worked according to his own ability, and consumed
>according to his need. What would you call that, capitalism?

Excuse me, but what tribe are you refering to? I've read
ethnologies of various native peoples, but know of no such tribe.

It was common practice for hunters to mark or "sign" their arrows
specifically so that whose kill it was could be determined
especially in large group hunts.

A successful hunter with more kills than his immediate family unit
could process would receive help from other tribe members in return
for a share of the kill. It was also common practice for such
hunters to share with the less fortunate. This often greatly
enhanced their reputation and status.

One's tribe was essentially an extended family unit, and treated
accordingly.

No sign of socialism or communism here.

Brian

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