The Supremacy of the Hunza by Joanne Greenberg
"The Supremacy of the Hunza" by Joanne Greenberg explores the tensions between modernity and traditional lifestyles through the character of Ted Margolin, an anthropologist who values his serene mountain life. The story begins with Margolin disturbed by the installation of power lines that disrupt the natural landscape. He is drawn into a citizens' protest led by activist Larry Westercamp, who expresses frustration over the impact of modern civilization on both the environment and traditional cultures, such as the Chontal Indians. As the narrative unfolds, Margolin grapples with his own views on civilization, finding himself at odds with Westercamp's idealization of primitive societies.
Throughout the story, Margolin's experience at a state hospital reveals the harsh realities faced by Indigenous peoples, contrasting sharply with Westercamp's romanticized vision of the Hunza, a Tibetan group. This dissonance leads Margolin to reflect deeply on his role and the implications of civilization on cultural identity. The narrative ultimately raises questions about personal involvement in social issues and the complexities of preserving cultural heritage amidst modern pressures. Greenberg's work invites readers to consider the nuances of progress and the value of different ways of life.
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The Supremacy of the Hunza by Joanne Greenberg
First published: 1971
Type of plot: Social realism
Time of work: The 1970's
Locale: A Western American mountain region
Principal Characters:
Ted Margolin , a professor of anthropologyRegina Margolin , his wifeLarry Westercamp , a civic activist and conservationist
The Story
Ted Margolin, an anthropologist and university professor, commutes to work from his home in the mountains because he enjoys the unspoiled surroundings. His serenity is suddenly broken by the installation of ninety-foot power lines across the countryside. He protests through his lawyer, to no avail. Then he is invited to a citizens' protest meeting, where Larry Westercamp, an avid campaigner for citizens' rights, tries to enlist his active support in helping to fight the installation of the lines. On the way home, Westercamp fumes to Margolin about how he is especially angry at having been made the butt of a humorous television news clip in which he was seeding a stream with trout while the state's governor was fishing downstream.
During the next weeks, Margolin is besieged with telephone calls and mail seeking his support for various causes. He becomes irritated with what he sees as an infringement on his personal life. When he speaks to Westercamp again, he is curt and evasive about his unwillingness to become personally involved in the protest over the power lines. In the course of the conversation, Westercamp explains to Margolin how civilization has ruined the harmony enjoyed by primitive societies such as the Chontal Indians. Margolin, with superior knowledge of ancient settlements, counters Westercamp's Utopian vision with hard facts about the primitive lifestyle that Westercamp idealizes.
The power lines continue to disturb Margolin, but he goes on with life during the fall; he learns later from Westercamp that the protest movement is almost dead. In December, Margolin goes to the state hospital to help therapists there on three cases involving Indians. He leaves home believing that his knowledge of ancient cultures may be of some help; he returns sobered, realizing that the Indians he sees are far removed from their culture and have become victims of "civilization" in its worst form. Almost immediately on returning, he calls Westercamp, who is now trying to solicit support to stop water pollution. On this occasion, Westercamp laments modern society by comparing it to the civilization of the Hunza, a Tibetan group. Though Margolin knows that this vision is flawed, he says nothing to change Westercamp's opinion. The conversation disturbs him so that, unable to sleep all night, he rises early in the morning and begins hurling a primitive spear, which he keeps to show his classes, to release the tension he has built up inside himself.