Last week, President Joe Biden sparked controversy during a visit to Scranton, Pennsylvania, when he mentioned that his uncle, Ambrose Finnegan, had gone missing in Papua New Guinea during World War II.
The reason for this controversy was due to the president’s suggestion that his uncle may have been killed by cannibals during the war. This statement did not sit well with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, who slammed Biden for implying that his country was home to cannibals during this period.
In his statement, Marape expressed his disappointment and called Biden out for potentially labeling his country in such a negative manner. The prime minister explained that while the war indeed brought challenges to Papua New Guinea, his people should not be blamed for it. While the country may have a history of cannibalism, Marape asserted that it does not deserve to be labeled as such by a world leader. He also raised concerns about Biden’s statement potentially being a slip of the tongue but noted that it still does not justify labeling his country.
According to Marape, Papua New Guinea’s involvement in World War II was not its own making. However, the country was dragged into a conflict that had no direct effect on its people. The prime minister explained that this conflict has left a dark mark on the history of his country, and Biden’s statement has only added insult to injury. He added that the people of Papua New Guinea should not have to bear the brunt of this conflict, especially through negative associations such as cannibalism.
Biden’s comments about his uncle’s disappearance also do not align with official government records of the incident. According to a U.S. military report, the plane Finnegan was on went down due to mechanical failure, and three of the men onboard drowned. While one crew member survived and was rescued by a passing barge, an aerial search the next day found no trace of the missing aircraft or the lost crew members.
Papua New Guinea was a key battleground during World War II, as the Japanese sought control of the island for access to Australia. This led to fierce fighting through the island’s remote jungles. However, the island also has a history of cannibalism, which has been well-documented through incidents such as the infamous case of Michael Rockefeller’s disappearance in 1961. Rockefeller, the son of Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, reportedly fell victim to a tribe of cannibals during his visit to the island.
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre claimed that Biden was simply praising his uncle’s bravery and sacrifice for his country. She also mentioned that Biden takes the issue of veterans and U.S. service members seriously and often lifts them up as heroes. However, she refused to comment on the source of Biden’s claim that his uncle may have been killed by cannibals, further adding to the controversy and confusion surrounding the situation.
The controversy sparked by Biden’s statement has brought to light the sensitivity of discussing events and cultures from other countries, especially during a time of global unity and healing. While clarifications have been made about the incident, the repercussions of Biden’s statement are still being felt in Papua New Guinea.
The country’s leader has expressed his concerns and hopes for a more educated and nuanced approach when discussing sensitive issues such as cannibalism and war. As the world continues to heal from the effects of the past, it is essential to be mindful and respectful of each other’s histories and cultures.
