Variances of Admirable Traits

Chagnon notes that there some major differences between the cultures of Western civilized people and the Yanomamo tribes. He talks at length of the fact that the Yanomamo admire ferocity in their males. This is so true that young boys are rewarded for their displays of anger. They are often teased until they strike out, and then are applauded. It does not matter whether the child strikes out at another child or an adult, the reward is forthcoming. While this may seem to be in definite contrast to what would be considered an admirable action of young men in Western culture, Chagnon points out that there are some similarities in the desired outcome.

The adult men of the Yanomamo tribes must defend their people. This means the men in leadership roles tend to be able to handle themselves in battle situations and to exhibit leadership...