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Meet the Natives: USA
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Engaging reality docu looks at America through fresh eyes.
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Based on 2 parent reviews
Great series
What's the Story?
MEET THE NATIVES: USA follows a group of tribesmen from the remote South Pacific island of Tanna, Vanuatu, as they travel across the United States to experience the "tribal customs" of the American people while spreading a message of peace. The five men -- who have all actively chosen to live a traditional island lifestyle -- visit places like Yellowstone, Montana; Orange County, California; and New York City to stay with different families (a.k.a. "tribes") and learn about rituals ranging from grocery shopping to getting Botox injections. Throughout their journey, the Tanna tribesmen share some of their own native customs and offer personal reflections about what they're experiencing.
Is It Any Good?
Meet the Natives was born partly out of the Tanna tribe's desire to pay homage to an American man whom they believe was responsible for bringing peace to their island years ago. The group's voyage also provides a fresh perspective on the different ways that people across the United States live their lives. And the tribesmen offer interesting insights on some of the values that currently dictate the way Americans think about being part of a community, raising children, treating their elders, and dealing with aging.
The sends positive messages about sharing cultural experiences and finding common ground among disparate groups. Watching the Tanna natives do things like touching snow and riding a roller coaster for the first time in their lives is definitely fun, too. But there are some irritating moments, too, especially when the men -- among them a revered tribal chief, a respected medicine man, and a lead tribal dancer -- are treated like adult children by some of their well-meaning American hosts. Still, in the end, the show is an entertaining, perceptive look into what life in America looks like to those who live a world away.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it would be like to host people from a remote region of the world. What kinds of things would you want them to experience? What would you want to learn from them?
What would it be like if the roles were reversed, and you stayed with a remote tribe and learned their customs?
Overall, does this show present America positively or negatively?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 29, 2009
- Network: Travel Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
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