United States: The claim that Joe Biden’s uncle may have been eaten by cannibals in Papua New Guinea (PNG) during World War II sparked criticism and confusion in the country.
During his campaign in Pittsburgh, Biden talked about his uncle, ‘Second Lieutenant Ambrose J. Finnegan Jr.,’ also known as ‘Uncle Bosie,’ who flew single-engine planes for reconnaissance flights during World War Two.
The US President shared that his uncle was shot down in New Guinea and his body was never found. Joe Biden suggested that his uncle may have been eaten by cannibals, as there were many in that part of New Guinea at the time. This remark met with a mixed response in the country, with some people finding it bemusing while others criticising it.
According to official war records, Finnegan’s death occurred due to engine failure in the plane he was travelling in, which subsequently crashed into the Pacific Ocean. The documents do not cite anything about cannibalism or the possibility of the plane being shot down.
Upon being shown Biden’s comments, analysts in Papua New Guinea defined them as wrongly reckoned with and groundless. They also highlighted that these affirmations come at a time when the US is trying to bolster its relations with the country and counter Chinese power in the Pacific province.
Michael Kabuni, a lecturer in political science at the University of Papua New Guinea, stated that, “The Melanesian group of people, who Papua New Guinea is part of, are a very proud people. And they would find this kind of categorisation very offensive. Not because someone says – ‘Oh there used to be cannibalism in PNG’ – yes, we know that, that’s a fact. But taking it out of context, and implying that your uncle jumps out of the plane and somehow we think it’s a good meal is unacceptable.”
Kabuni explained that cannibalism was commonly practised by some cultures in the past to prevent the decomposition of deceased relatives, such as eating their bodies out of respect. Papua New Guinea produced agriculture over 10,000 years ago, he asserted, so the routine was not a result of nutritional deficiencies.
Several critics responded to Biden’s recent statements, suggesting that his childhood pieces of knowledge may influenced his views. However, some argue that his claims could potentially harm the reputation of Papua New Guinea, which is already known for its negative press related to riots and tribal fighting. Additionally, these claims remain unsubstantiated.
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