A TikToker has received backlash for his controversial online stunt involving a so-called ‘cannibal tribe.’
Darah Tah, an Irish travel influencer, faced criticism for his videos featuring a tribe in New Guinea, which many have deemed insensitive.
In a video shared with his nearly 18 million followers, Tah stated that he had ‘just tried to make contact with a cannibal tribe.’ He attempted to offer a unique gift to ease the interaction, but the response from online viewers was largely negative.
It’s well-known that reaching out to uncontacted tribes can be perilous.
For instance, when a young missionary tried to spread his religious beliefs to the inhabitants of North Sentinel Island, the outcome was tragic.
US evangelist John Allen Chau visited this remote island in 2018. Unfortunately, a fisherman later reported seeing the tribe dragging and burying his body on the shore after his final visit.
Tah’s experience ended more safely, but many were concerned about the risks he was taking. He documented his journey to a remote tribe in Papua, accompanied by other tourists and a local guide named Demi, using wooden boats to reach the destination.
As they approached, one of the tribesmen aimed a bow and arrow at them, prompting one tourist to remark, “I think they’re pointing bows and arrows at us, bro.”
“This is terrifying…they’re huge bows,” Tah commented, while waving to the tribesmen.
To ease the situation, Tah decided to offer a bag of salt as a gift.
“I’ve got salt,” he announced, pouring it into his hands and presenting it to the tribe. One of the tribe members tasted the salt, only to spit it out in displeasure.
“He doesn’t look like he likes that,” Tah noted in the video. “Alright, guys, let’s move back, maybe.”
The guide chimed in, “We have to move. We’re not welcome. It’s really dangerous.”
As the group retreated, Tah acknowledged, “Not gonna lie, that is absolutely terrifying.”
Demi, the guide, apologized, saying, “I’m sorry I took you here.”
Despite expressing fear, Tah indicated in the caption that he planned to ‘try again tomorrow,’ sparking further irritation among viewers who felt the tribe should be left undisturbed.
“Leave them alone, they are not bothering you,” one commenter insisted.
Some viewers were also frustrated by Tah’s labeling of the tribesmen as cannibals, arguing, “They are not cannibal[s], they are just people living a peaceful life.”
Interacting with isolated tribes is often discouraged because of the potential harm to both visitors and the indigenous people’s way of life.
As an example, the Marubo people in a remote Amazon village have experienced significant lifestyle changes due to technology after receiving antennas from Elon Musk’s Starlink company.
Connected to the internet, the tribe has faced unanticipated challenges. Tsainama Marubo shared with The New York Times that the initial excitement turned into issues, noting, “Young people have gotten lazy because of the internet. They’re learning the ways of white people.”
Perhaps it’s best to allow these communities to exist undisturbed.