Parents' Guide to

Going Tribal

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Exploration of ancient cultures can be intense.

TV Discovery Channel Educational 2005
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What's the Story?

In GOING TRIBAL, explorer Bruce Parry travels the globe to immerse himself in the lifestyles of ancient tribes in some of the world's most remote locales. Rather than studying them from afar, the former Royal Marine actively participates in their daily activities, stopping at nothing -- even painful customary rites of passage -- to gain their trust. Each episode chronicles the intrepid host's month-long coexistence with a specific tribe, with Parry educating viewers on the group's lifestyles and survival methods as he's exposed to them. He hunts alongside the men, treks long distances with nomadic clans, and partakes in the groups' diverse recreation activities. Parry, who travels with an interpreter so he can communicate with his hosts, also investigates how interaction with Western cultures has changed daily life among the ancient tribes. Viewers hear how the outside world has influenced members' options for clothing, recreation, and education -- as well as how this exposure has introduced new diseases and pollution.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

In some cases, Parry's acceptance as an equal comes at a hefty price. For example, while living among the Matis people of the Amazon River basin in Brazil, Parry bravely faces four traditional pre-hunting practices, including exposure to a frog poison that induces violent vomiting and diarrhea (to strengthen the body) and subjection to whipping with long reeds (to prevent laziness). His dedication to the project remains unwavering in the face of even the most daunting rituals.

Thanks mostly to Parry's thoroughness, Going Tribal gives viewers an honest -- and often surprising -- glimpse at the diversity of cultures in the remotest corners of the world. But while there's a lot of perspective to be gained by watching this intriguing series, know that it carries a "mature content" disclaimer for a reason. From hunting practices to painful rituals, violence in various forms is common -- and occasionally even pregnant women and kids are subjected to it. Nudity is also a possibility (though never in a sexual manner), and the tribes' outdoor life includes references to harsh weather, unusual dietary choices (monkeys, reindeer, etc.) and natural predators (like some awfully big bugs).

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the media affects our impression of different cultures. How do shows like this one educate viewers about other people and places? How accurate do you think they are? Do the hosts' own biases affect how viewers see the cultures? If so, how? How does your own background affect your perspective of other cultures' practices? Can you truly understand a group's traditions without being part of that group? What are the consequences of misunderstanding other cultures' traditions? How are people's lifestyles influenced by geographical factors like weather, wildlife, and topography? Do you think you could adapt to a lifestyle like the ones featured in this series? Why or why not?

TV Details

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