An American Cargo Cult

2009-09-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

Ever since May 1974, when National Geographic

(vol. 145, no. 5, pp. 706-714) described a John Frum

cult in Melanesia, we have used cargo cults as analogs

for bad science or computer programming which goes

through the superficial motions of research or the

appearance of programming. From our position of

condescension, it may escape us that we ourselves

are moving toward an American cargo cult. What are

some of the activities within cargo cults?

The bringers of material goods are venerated.

Thus we find altars to cargo planes, and rituals

emulating the American occupation of South Pacific

Islands during World War II. Wealth is seen as

something which is bestowed magically by a distant

power.

A messenger figure which will bring back the

days of free distribution of goods is prayed for.

Cultic priest prey on the innumerate population

with wealth-producing rites: Bring your coins,

and we will chant while swirling them about in

a big bowl, increasing their number!

Is any of this reminiscent of the our current veneration

of:

Federal largesse,

Charismatic politicians, and

Keynesian fiscal policies?

It is becoming evident that Cargo-Cult Economics is

the fasted-growing religion in the USA.

Democritus Jr.

An American Cargo Cult