SYNDROME
During World War II, a strange "cargo cult" arose among the indigenous inhabitants of New Guinea which is now giving the authorities some concern.
The natives saw thousands of tons of cargo being landed by both Japanese and Allied forces. They noted that it was the key to an attractive way of life. The soldiers never made anything; they simply signed for what they needed. Thus arose the belief that the white man need not work; he signs a slip of paper and the goods are delivered. This belief spread until now whole villages have accepted the "cargo cult" as a superior religion.
Missionaries and budding capitalists are worried that the belief will hamper development of a dependable work force. They are therefore taking action. The plans include sending for photographs of white workers making goods in order to show the cultists how fantastic their belief in the magic powers of delivery slips really is.
It is not known whether the photographs will include scenes of another class in advanced industrial countries who obtain goods like magic by simply clipping pieces of paper called coupons.