Graphical Organizer Part 6

Troost views many behaviors on Kiribati that he compares to the behaviors in the U.S. In the beginning of chapter 14, Troost discovers the reality for dogs on Tarawa. It's a dog-eat-dog world here. Literally. Dogs carry the mange, illnesses, and (for Mama Dog) many litters of puppies. The lifespan of a dog on Tarawa is short-lived due to many factors. The I-Kiribati eat them, other dogs eat them, and the I-Kiribati drown them as puppies. Troost however brings several in as pets. This is not the only difference from life in the U.S. however. Troost names the Kiribati-government "Coconut Stalinism for controlling everything while doing nothing. Most of the government's doings are drunken, there is no military (no need for it), and there is no dire need for any type of action. Nothing changes. This goes for Kirabiti traditions as well. Ritual dances (after several weeks of preparation) are judged by higher "officials." During these several weeks, the dancers remain in a state of "purity." They abstain from alcohol and sex so that they are eligible to be influenced by the spirits during the ritual dance. Troost finds all of these cultural behaviors on the island very different from the U.S. culture. And yes he does get used to them, however bizarre they may seem at first.