War, Peace, & Human Nature
Wonderful recent volume shows how views of human nature as inherently warlike stem not from the facts but from cultural views embedded in Western thinking.
Moral Optimism
The “Moral Optimism” category of Living Anthropologically contains blog-posts related to the idea of anthropology’s moral optimism. The term moral optimism comes from anthropologist Michel-Rolph Trouillot’s book Global Transformations:
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. (Trouillot, 2003, 139)
My latest attempt at seizing this “moral optimism” is the 2024 course on Anthropological Optimism, also known as Cultural Ecology :)
Anthropology, Gun Reform, American Anthropological Association
As the US was in limbo about gun reform, the American Anthropological Association issued an important statement on gun violence and need for research.
Sustainable Investing
During the Obama technocracy, sustainable investing was a good choice. Since 2017, I’ve switched to “survival investing” & Pax World Environmental Markets.
The Future of Gun Reform
Gun reform is important, but the U.S. needs to reduce the weaponry, buying back 50 million semi-automatic weapons. Australia did it. We can do it too.
Anthropology & Politics in 2012 Elections
Anthropology should be front and center–the 2012 Obama Romney election concerns race, culture, history, and power, key issues for political anthropology.
Jared Diamond won’t beat Mitt Romney
The really scary part of the Diamond Romney dustup is how Romney recaps Diamond: European imperialism is accidental but societies choose to fail.
What would Keynes do about climate change?
From “What would Keynes do?” to “Loading the Climate Dice,” we need to put the pieces together, work to reduce long-term resource use.
Nellie McKay on Hydrofracking
Everybody needs to make money, but it’s better to sell your body than your soul.
–Nellie McKay on Hydrofracking (West Kortright Centre, NY)
Walmart Socialism
On using the informational-distributional capacities of Walmart to enact a sensible and sustainable future, Walmart Socialism and Utopia.
Community Supported Agriculture
A great recipe for Kale Quesadillas–a quick, simple, and tasty way to enjoy the kale from Community Supported Agriculture.
Local Economy Manifesto
People need jobs. The Earth faces ecological catastrophe. We can live more sustainably. We have the money. Restore local economy.
Toward a Public & Green Economy
We need public borrowing and job creation for a green economy. Expropriate Goldman-Sachs to bypass political impasse via public ownership.
Oneonta & Center Street School, 1981-2012
What was it about the Oneonta of 1981 that voted for Center Street School? Reflections on Oneonta and Center Street School 1981-2012.
School Budget Votes
Oneonta is a place to share in a common life and a common good. It’s worth defending.
Community Based Schools
There is a need for long-term planning, educational vision, and community participation to make Community Based Schools vibrant.
Cannibalize the Future
As Paul Krugman points out in “Cannibalize the Future,” the harder and more responsible decision is actually to spend toward the future.
Rural Solutions
Hartwick College’s symposium on “Rural Solutions: Economic Development on a Human Scale.” Keynote with Michael Shuman, author of Local Dollars, Local Sense.
Reform AND Revolution: Reasons to not Abandon the Quest
“The inadequacy of the bridge seems hardly a good enough reason to have abandoned the quest” (Anna Tsing 2005:85). On anthropology of reform and revolution.
Beyond Capitalism
Boone Shear and Brian Burke organized a special track for alternative political ecologies for 2012 Applied Anthropology, seeking to go Beyond Capitalism.
Ain’t it a little late in the game to throw your hand in?
A post from 2012 describing the options.to closing a neighborhood school. As Little Steven says: “Ain’t it a little late in the game to throw your hand in?”
The Cost of Savings
Fighting the planned closing of a neighborhood school based on a false economy of market-based choices and political expediency. The cost of saving schools.
Four Field Manifesto
Anthropology’s Moral Optimism: Four Field Manifesto & alternative visions of humanity. Capitalism is not the most beautiful or respectful of shared planet.
Anthropology & Occupy Wall Street
In October 2011, the anthropological blogosphere coalesced around supporting Occupy Wall Street. But why is there not a similar movement in 2019?
Government Planning & Anthropology
Anthropology should stand against the ideologues insisting government planning is inherently flawed.
War on Terror
With death of Osama bin Laden, how anthropology supports pursuing criminals, not blanket “war on terror,” and anthropology questions xenophobic nationalism.