Distant Communities, Universal Rights and Silenced Voices Around a Documentary About the Wichí

Abstract

This investigation is based on the analysis of the documentary titled Wichi: Distant Communities and the consequently debate opened in Argentina, confronting arguments that defend alleged ancestral practices as opposed to national laws. Three main topics are discussed. The first one is the idea that all actions are justified as long as they respond to «ancestral cultural practices», which is closely related to the extreme cultural relativism. Also, «authorized voices» are examined in those cases where native communities are involved, and who have been historically silenced. Finally, it is questioned the possibility that human rights may represent a limitation for cultural practices, in case any of the most vulnerable members of the groups is forced.