The Reckless Actions of a U.S. Social Media Influencer

A U.S. social media influencer has once again demonstrated a lack of respect and understanding for indigenous cultures, this time by attempting to illegally interact with the protected Sentinelese people. In March, a YouTuber known as Neo-Orientalist, whose real name is Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, tried to make contact with the Sentinelese, according to a statement by Survival International, an organization that advocates for the rights of indigenous and tribal people.

The Sentinelese: A Protected and Isolated Indigenous Group

The Sentinelese are one of the most isolated indigenous groups in the world, living on the forested island of North Sentinel in the Indian Ocean. They have a history of violently resisting contact with outsiders, and the Indian government has stopped attempting to befriend them after repeated attempts ended in violence and death. It is currently illegal to visit North Sentinel Island, but this did not deter Polyakov from attempting to land on the island and leave behind a coconut and a can of cola.

The Consequences of Polyakov’s Actions

Fortunately, Polyakov did not encounter any of the Sentinelese during his visit, but his actions could have had devastating consequences. "In a reckless attempt to get attention on social media, his illegal actions could have wiped out the entire Sentinelese tribe through introducing new diseases such as flu to which they have no immunity," reads the Survival International statement. The organization notes that contact with outsiders has previously decimated isolated indigenous communities, such as the Onge people, whose population declined by 85% after the arrival of British colonists and Indian settlers.

A History of Violence and Trauma

The Sentinelese have a history of resisting contact with outsiders, and their experiences have likely led to intergenerational trauma. In the 19th century, a British officer led a party to the island, where they kidnapped two elders and four children. The elderly individuals died, and the children were returned to the island with gifts, potentially introducing foreign diseases to their community. More recently, a U.S. missionary named John Allen Chau was killed by the Sentinelese in 2018 after he attempted to evangelize them.

The Sentinelese Way of Life

Very little is known about the Sentinelese, but observations suggest that they sustain their way of life in the rainforest by hunting, gathering, and fishing. They live in large communal huts or smaller temporary shelters and make bows, arrows, and spears. The total population size is estimated to be around 150, and observers have documented the presence of children and pregnant women. However, the Sentinelese have made it clear that they do not want contact with outsiders, and it is a wise choice.

A Call for Respect and Understanding

The Sentinelese have the right to remain isolated and protected from the outside world. Their choice to reject contact with foreigners is a wise one, and it is essential that we respect their decision. Polyakov’s actions were reckless and irresponsible, and he now faces possible jail time. The incident highlights the importance of respecting indigenous cultures and recognizing the potential consequences of our actions. As Survival International notes, "The Sentinelese have made it clear that they do not want contact. It is a wise choice."