Karen Willis and Shandell Elmer (2007), introduced the idea of associating society, culture and health as a way to analyze the importance of the well-being of each individual and group. In order to actively participate within society, it is necessary to live up to a certain culture that promotes a healthy and better life. Research has found that traditional medicine practices and beliefs still prevail in many parts of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Therefore, this discussion will document traditional beliefs and practices in Tolai (Eastern New Britain Province) society, particularly witchcraft and ill health. The discussion will delve more into how witchcraft beliefs and practices are associated with poor health, the meaning of witchcraft and poor health. Furthermore, greater emphasis will be placed on the subject's beliefs regarding women and the way in which the victim of witchcraft is treated. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The traditional beliefs and practices of the Tolai people have been maintained and enhanced for more than one hundred years since the beginning of the era of colonial rule (Epstein, 1999). Similarly, Epstein (1999), added that there have been so many violations regarding social cultures that have led to other people being vulnerable to serious illnesses. He defined witchcraft as the application of magical powers which is one of the cultural norms one must practice to keep oneself safe from being persecuted by the willful murderer (kuanua; iniet/tena vardodoko). In this way the person protects himself from diseases that the European medical approach cannot satisfy. Furthermore, Epstein (1999) stated that “the practice of magical powers is obligatory”. This means that sorcerers do not choose their victim, but are attracted by the immutable trace that is shown by someone who is said to be suffering from a serious illness. This illustrates that the iniet (intentional murderer) will not do anything to the victim unless he has been given the taring (pleasant substance prepared by the sorcerer). This is why it is concluded that poor health within Tolai societies was heavily influenced by traditional witchcraft beliefs and practices. The practice of witchcraft influences poor health within Tolai society and throughout Papua New Guinea in many ways. Since the advent of the colonial powers and the arrival of the Missionaries, the Tolai people believe in magical powers to cure emotional, social and even physical illnesses that were once widespread. According to Epstein (1999), Tolai states that magical powers have a much broader explanation than modern medical knowledge for the treatment of different types of diseases. Therefore, when a case of witchcraft is discovered due to ill health, another witch doctor will take care of curing the victim and preventing them from becoming adverse. Many times people tend to say that a person died due to witchcraft. However, it is universally recognized that death does not matter to anyone. It could be the result of being affected socially, emotionally, physically or mentally by the environment in which we live. As the author pointed out (Epstein, 1999), the attitude of the Tolai people towards the tena vardodoko/iniet is crucial in determining who the good and bad people are. In this way it will be more appropriate to identify the true causes of the type of disease that afflicts society. Since the practice of witchcraft is a compulsion, the willful murderer cannot resist stopping killing innocent people who.
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