Spotlight on Diversity: Chris Mayer
It’s been said that the anthropologist’s job is to make the strange seem familiar, and the familiar seem strange.
On the one hand, the intellectual and academic task is to delve into a culture (or the phenomenon of “culture” itse
lf), and return with a deeper understanding of what it means to be human. And by that I mean both the many ways that people live and thrive, and the individual experience of navigating one’s way through a complex existence that is both beautiful and terrifying.On the other hand, this pursuit puts the anthropologist on the outside, separates him or her from his or her own culture.
This practice of seeking deeper understanding means that eventually everything is on the table, and no assumption goes unchallenged. From the analytical point of view, it’s never enough to say “That’s just the way it is.”
Even the most mundane daily activity becomes the subject of detailed scrutiny. And when one does that in one’s own culture, that can be upsetting, especially to vested interests--what anthropologists for a long time have labeled the “power-elites.” It’s a subversive activity. [more]
The Cowley Press is produced by the Newspaper Production students. The primary goal of The Cowley Press is to serve the college community in a fair and accurate manner. Editorials, columns,and letters reflect the opinions of the writers. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for taste and length. Letters must be signed by the author.
© Cowley County Community College and Area Vocational-Technical School
Report web site problems to Online Editor
| Today is: |
Related
Links |