The Noble Savage

The "Noble Savage" narrative is pervasive in human lore. I got to thinking about it after recognizing its presence in various places with different contexts; imperial conquests, ancient parables, academic fields. The premise is an unexpected depth of character in individuals of inferior, unremarkable background--the surprise being so because of ingrained prejudices of contemporary society, the righteous superiority of prideful condescendents, self-rationalization founded on shaky layers of twisted logic and close-mindedness. We may not use the same term nowadays, but the trope is thinly veiled across our stories too. First the person is framed as an "other," then their qualities are recognized. The initial assumption is a negative one.

I believe our enamoredness with tragedy plays some role in the popularity of this character. They're underdogs, hopelessly outmatched by a greater, more modern enemy. In their perceived less-fortunate circumstance and inevitable defeat lies gripping, enviable martyrdom, an innocence that is lost after the cocktails of power have been drunk. This sentiment is unavoidable when the powerful dominate the weaker, especially when the bullying is unjust and the bullied is undeserving. Guilt cowers not far from sight. 

This makes me think that, maybe, there is a universal shared instinct (apart from the mentally ill whose condition is horrifying because they lack it), a subconscious sense, that can respect admirable qualities in any person when shown those qualities. That there is a true goodness we know when we see. It transcends learned hatreds. It's more real than anything we create. 

The ultimate reason behind promoting diversity is this. It gives people the chance to see that there are no anomalous savages that happen to be the good ones. There's only people: people as varied as the world is infinite who should be viewed in the same, unflinching light, judged by their convictions and character before anything else. 

 

With empathy we should approach fellow man.