|
|
|
|
Waiting for the U.S.: The John Frum Cargo Cult of Vanuatu |
| Section: CULTURE / PEOPLES |
| Author: Anders Rayman |
| Publication: The world & I online |
| Issue Date: 12/1/1992 |
| Size: 3,394 Words, 19,336 Characters |
|
The far-flung pacific islands of Melanesia have been the home of scores of so-called cargo cults--native religious movements that by magical means have sought to acquire the large material riches of groups visiting the islands. They take their name from cargo, pidgin for Western goods, and were especially common during and shortly after World War II, when first Japan and then the United States appeared on the scene with goods, machines, and soldiers in awesome abundance.
Normally, the cults have been short lived: Despite the docks built into the sea, airstrips cleared in the jungle, conversations with the gods through "radio masts" made of bamboo, and much else that has startled Western observers, the cargo fails to arrive and the cultists soon tire and give up. But on the island of...
. . .
... paradise will at last arrive.
The Christian religion has its Jesus, who will one day bring the paradise to the people. Tana, on the other hand, has John Frum. "One day John will come back," the cultists often tell me.
After more than forty years, the Tanese still are awaiting their messiah; but then the Christians have been awaiting their savior for almost two thousand years now.
(806 of 19,336 characters)
Do you want to read
the whole article? You can
purchase it here.
Subscriber Login |
|
|
Publication Details
(The World & I Online) |
|
The World & I Online is a
comprehensive academic resource that encompasses a broad range of
articles by scholars and experts in the areas of Global Studies,
Liberal Arts, Fine & Applied Arts, General Science, and Spanish.
Originally published monthly in print as The World & I, our site
includes the complete contents since 1986 and continues to publish
a new issue online each month. |
|
Individual Subscription
|
 |
|
|
|
College Orders (based
on full-time enrollment) |
|
-
2 to 5 Computers |
|
-
Up to 1,000 Students |
|
-
1,001 to 2,500 Students |
|
-
2,501 to 5,000 Students |
|
-
5,001 to 10,000 Students |
|
-
10,001 or More Students |
|
|
|
Public Library Orders |
|
-
2 to 5 Computers |
|
-
6 to 50 Computers |
|
-
51 to 100 Computers |
|
For over 100
computers, call 866-211-6040. |
|
|
