Living Anthropologically
The moral optimism of anthropology can change the world
Darwin wrote of “descent with modification.” Evolution and natural selection describe natural processes, but there are potential problems with these terms.
Please consider donating or subscribing to support anthropology blogs. All donations promote the site to highlight anthropological analysis.
Recent posts by genetic clustering bloggers suggest an at least tacit acknowledgment that indeed “race is a social construction.”
Anthropology’s search for human nature emphasized capacities and cultures. But humans are always in process–there is no human nature.
This is my third guest post for Savage Minds–please click Taking Anthropology, Jared Diamond to read and comment.
This is my second guest post for Savage Minds–please click The Bongobongo and Open Access to read and comment.
I’m guest blogging for Savage Minds in February. Click Taking Anthropology, Introduction for the first post.
One of the best articles on human origins in a long time–kudos to Alanna Mitchell for avoiding race and terminology traps.
Newt Gingrich scored a decisive victory in South Carolina. Race-baiting and anger still pay handsome dividends in U.S. politics.
An update on the revival of race-as-biology, attention to structural racism, and preparing for ethnicity-as-genetics or ethnobiogeny.
Moral Optimism
At the end of the day, in this age where futures are murky and utopias mere reminders of a lost innocence, we need to fall back on the moral optimism that has been anthropology’s greatest—yet underscored—appeal. But we need to separate that optimism from the naïveté that has been liberalism’s most convenient shield. We need to assume it as a choice—whether we call it moral, philosophical, or aesthetic in the best sense. We need to hang on to it not because we are historically, socially, or politically naïve—indeed, as social scientists we cannot afford such naïveté—but because this is the side of humanity that we choose to prefer, and because this choice is what moved us to anthropology in the first place. We need to assume this optimism because the alternatives are lousy, and because anthropology as a discipline is the best venue through which the West can show an undying faith in the richness and variability of humankind.
-- Michel-Rolph Trouillot, Global Transformations(2003:139)
Privacy
This website serves ads by Google using a DoubleClick Dart cookie. You may opt out of this cookie by visiting the advertising opt-out page. You may also wish to visit the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.
When available, book links go to Amazon.com, which may also use cookies when links are clicked. Please see the Amazon privacy policy for more information.
I am an affiliate for FatCow Webhosting and E-Junkie for selling PowerPoints and other digital goods. I am also an affiliate for PageLines
, using the Platform Pro theme to power the site. I have found these products useful.
Updates
