These Are Simple People

“These are simple people, milord.

They live on hope.”. Contemptuous

Remark made a character in the mini-series

Dune, referring to the aboriginal people, the Fremen.

The ease with which we, the socially advanced

And societally more complex pass judgement

Has horrific consequences for aboriginal people

Around the world. It is a judgement made without

Knowledge, awareness or understanding of that peoples’

Social structure, social behavior or the limits they place on

The same. The immediate example for me is the Maori 

Population of New Zealand. Although I have had experience

With Maori persons and groups, I remain a student, hungry

For more understanding. The primary observation might have validity

“These are a simple people”; until one learns more of their language

Their traditions, their culture. One might equally say, “We have much 

to learn from them.” After over 25 years of marriage to a Maori woman

I say yes, we do. Here comes the challenging bit. [a] how to get over such

Snide remarks, and recognize each other as social beings; [b] to learn to 

communicate effectively and honestly; [c] progress as a combined, focused

Partnership. [a dirty word to some; refer to snide comments; refer to delusion]

For if the other is a “simple people”, we for all technological advancement

Are also “simple people”. Our wants are numerous, our needs are few

Take away the restraints of the consumer society, what might our life be?

What might our life be?