Anthropology in the Global Age

Designer Vaginas

aitga — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:38:59 +0000

In the previous post I linked to articles that discuss the practice of female genital mutilation/cutting. It is worth pointing out that this practice is not unique to non-western countries. As this article indicates “designer vaginas” are increasingly popular in America and England.

Female Genital Cutting

aitga — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:45:17 +0000

There are 4 articles (see below) in module 2 that discuss female genital cutting practices. How does this debate relate to an understanding of cultural relativism? What is your opinion regarding this practice?

Try to read these in order.

OWS part 2

aitga — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:18:52 +0000

In the comments to the last post many of you sympathized with the Occupy movement but argued that it needs to rethink its tactics (e.g. “wrong way of going about it” “need a clear message” “not realistic” and my favorite “organized temper tantrum”) This article written by anthropologist David Graeber addresses some of the issues raised in your comments. Rather than being an incoherent and angry mass of people with no agenda, Graeber argues that the movement is characterized by anarchist principles that are democratic, egalitarian and intentionally do not recognize the legitimacy of existing political institutions.

Occupy Wall Street

aitga — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:24:21 +0000

Occupy Wall Street is a social movement (read this primer written by Ezra Klein) inspired by the Arab Spring and other protest movements around the world. Although the call to action was made by the magazine Adbusters in July of 2011, the occupation in NYC began on at Zuccotti Park September 17th, 2011. Since then, hundreds of protesters have occupied various locations in cities around the US (including Minneapolis) and the world.

Individuals in the protest movement identify themselves as the 99% and although they represent a multitude of views, they have organized around their shared interest as the 99% of people in America who do not have tremendous wealth.

In some ways they have created a new society. Food is served, medical care is provided, a newspaper has been created, and people can find reading material at the peoples library (In NYC this was all taken away on Nov 15, the city of New York claims the books are being held at an of-site location. See below).

All of this is aided in part by a unique way (or perhaps only true way) of doing democracy. Proposals for action, questions and concerns are brought forth in an organizational meeting called a General assembly. Decisions are made by consensus whereby everyone must agree. Watch this video describing the process.

The mainstream media has been critical of this movement claiming that it lacks a coherent message. More than anything this represents the fact that these activists are fed up with the traditional way of participating in democracy which they see as corrupt and ineffectual. (As evidence check out this article on Chuck Schumer) They are attempting to take democracy into their own hands and truly make it by and for the people. (read this excellent article written by anthropologist David Graeber).

A few more links:

Update: Below is a video of a UC Davis police officer pepper-spraying a group of students who were peacefully protesting the destruction of an Occupy encampment. Here is an article by Matt Taibbi that link’s the militarization of the police and to the erosion of civil liberties associated with the War on Terror.

Lucy Video

aitga — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:46:42 +0000

Lucy video

Clever Monkeys

aitga — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:04:45 +0000

The Uniqueness of Humans

aitga — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:01:08 +0000

Robert Sapolosky on the uniqueness of humans.

David Harvey, Crises, Capitalism and Marx

aitga — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:25:08 +0000

Wall Street

aitga — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:58:18 +0000

This week we learned that the Magnetar Hedge Fund bought risky bonds (CDOs) and bet against them (with a credit-default swap) aiding in the financial meltdown and misleading investors. In addition, Goldman Sachs is being accused by the S.E.C. of defrauding investors in a similar fashion. For great coverage and analysis of these stories, listen to the This American Life episode “Inside Job” and this recent Bill Moyers conversation with Simon Johnson and James Kwak on financial reform.

Edward Said on Clash of Civilizations

aitga — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 19:02:19 +0000