This video, shot between 1980-1984, was an outgrowth of research conducted by John Marshall and Claire Ritchie during those years. Intended to raise awareness about issues facing Ju/'hoansi,
Pull Ourselves Up or Die Out explores: problems and issues due to the shift from subsistence to a cash-based economy; the possible establishment of a game reserve in Eastern Bushmanland; development of subsistence agriculture by Ju/'hoan groups; and confrontations with South African Administration officials regarding the rights to install a water pump and the rights of Ju/'hoansi to access water.
Orthography NoteThe group of people depicted in these films
are the Ju/'hoansi, speakers of the Ju/'hoan language. Ju/'hoan is part
of the !Kung language group; the term !Kung was previously used by the
Marshall family and others to refer to Ju/'hoansi. Although the term is
outdated, it has been retained here for the sake of consistency with
John Marshall's previously published work. The films and their related
printed materials also employ antiquated spellings of names and places.
For current Ju/'hoan orthography, please see the
Ju/'hoan - English Dictionary, compiled by Patrick Dickens and the Ju/'hoan Peoples Literacy Committee.