*'Secrets of the Tribe'

This documentary documents, perhaps, the (hidden) stain on the discipline of anthropology. It is embarrassing, humiliating, intellectually stimulating, and above all revealing. Important questions are raised and should be considered with gravity. I find the documentary relevant for any social scientist and the study of religion - especially those who seek to do comparative work. However - a very strong however - this does not dismiss the merits of the discipline. Mistakes from the past must be taken seriously, accounted for, and become points of departure for advancement. Parallels can be drawn to the history of colonialism, sexism, racism and many others. Unlike others within these parallels, these periods of history should not be dismissed as aberrations of attitude that justify and negate past actions as outliers or anomalies. The veil of invulnerability should be lifted and mistakes acknowledged. Reflexivity and outlook become critical.

*Update (8/29/13): Kenneth Good's son, David Good making headlines in his return to his mother