The Week Unwrapped: Lost tribes, celebration shaming and Edinburgh blues

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.

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In this week’s episode, we discuss:

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The man of the hole

The last member of an indigenous tribe in the Brazilian Amazon, known as “the man of the hole”, has died. His story, and his resistance to being contacted, is fascinating in its own right, but his death has also drawn attention to the threats faced by tribal groups in Brazil. Illegal miners, loggers and farmers are encroaching on their territory, and President Jair Bolsonaro is explicitly unsympathetic to their cause. Now, though, there seems to be a chance for change: a record 181 indigenous candidates are standing in Brazil’s forthcoming election.

The Celebration police

When Arsenal beat Fulham last weekend, their players and fans reacted with relief and joy – prompting criticism from commentators, who suggested that they had not earned their celebrations. The resulting argument divided fans between those who thought Arsenal should have set their sights higher, and those who were cheering them on – a division that plays out daily on social media, as commentators attempt to police each other’s joy. Where does that instinct come from, and is it a healthy one?

Edinburgh on a shoestring

This year’s Edinburgh Festival recorded a significant drop in ticket sales, which were 25% lower than at the last pre-pandemic event? The rising cost of accommodation is one factor, but rail strikes, post-Covid caution about live events and the broader cost-of-living crisis may all have played a part. What does this tell us about how culture will fare over the next year?