Anthropology Paper

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The Maasai tribe of East Africa, undergoes the pressures of globalization every day. The impact of tourism and land conservation has greatly encroached on their land and prosperity. Nevertheless, they attempt to maintain the practice of their ancient culture. They have occupied Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania for over 3,000 years. The Maasai are semi-nomadic people who base their movement of livestock based on the seasons (The Maasai people). However, they were not the indigenous people of East Africa. Many ethnic groups, but specifically the Cushitic groups, were either displaced by the Maasai or they were assimilated into the Maasai culture in the mid-18th century (wiki). The Maasai tribe has maintained their culture, even with the growth of tourism, due to their disapproval of modern living styles and their loyalty and belief in their culture. Resisting tourism, as a result of globalization, has not been a simple or easy task for the Maasai tribe. They have had to overcome economic dependency, tourist infringement, and land management. However, in the end, the Maasai have not been able to overcome all of these obstacles presented by globalization.
First of all, the Maasai believe that land and water are natural resources that no one should be withheld access from (The Maasai People). They believe that the land is there to live off of and that manufactured products are worthless and useless. Modern living styles, such as hunting, are a disgrace to the Maasai Tribe. They believe that hunting is only necessary for ritual purposes and when they are threatened (Tourism is a curse). The misuse of the land by tourists shows disrespect to the Maasai and what they stand for. Therefore, the Maasai oppose modern living...

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... soon as globalization was introduced by tourists, their lives slowly began to change. Consequently, this allowed for the importance of culture to the Maasai to almost cease. Rather life began to become about survival. Globalization and modernization have allowed for a culture and tradition to slowly diminish. Instead of being the once prosperous tribe the Maasai were, they are now spread among regions throughout East Africa looking for modern jobs that provide just enough income to support themselves. Poverty has become the threat to men, instead of the acknowledgment of pain during circumcision. Water and a roof over their head has become the most intimidating aspect of life to women instead of circumcision. Ultimately, tourism has corrupted the traditional culture of the Maasai, into a poverty stricken society that no longer values culture or tradition.

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