Anthropology Should be Mandatory

In most of my job interviews, we get to a point where the interviewer asks, “Why did you choose anthropology?”   It’s said with an amused tone, like that choice somehow wasn’t sensible.  Like it was a lightweight option – not nearly as useful as business or science or marketing. 

However,  I would argue that Anthropology should be mandatory.  Part of the foundation.  And from the beginning of our learning.  In a Wikipedia definition that’s as legit as any other dictionary (no Wikipedia haters, please): 

Anthropology is the scientific study of humans, human behavior, and societies in the past and present. Social anthropology studies patterns of behavior and cultural anthropology studies cultural meaning, including norms and values. 

When I was in college, this was the most interesting option on the list of majors, so I chose it.  I’ve always been fascinated by people and how they work and interested in how cultures behave, and shape thought. 

The reality:  It may be the most significant piece of active learning that has allowed me to connect with and understand others in every area of my career and life.  It has allowed me to navigate complex personal interactions, to empathize with people with different world views, to sense when others feel “outside” and invite them in, to model inclusiveness and belonging, and now, to see that we can’t let terrorists of any religion or culture scare us so deeply that we lose sight of the reality – that most people are good, and that more connection, more knowledge and more understanding are needed when we are least likely to feel safe in giving it. 

And now, after George Floyd and all the others that came before him and after too, it is more important than ever to widen our viewpoints, to understand the interrelationships of our actions and ideas and behaviors, of our upbringing on every level.  To continue the work of understanding what has come before, and where we can go from here. 

What if we began to respond to OUR ever-increasing global environment by consciously beginning the open-hearted and open-minded teaching and learning of other cultures when kids begin school?  What would it do to our ability to understand, communicate, share ideas, and realize all the benefits of multiple worldviews starting from a young age?  What might we create or solve? 

Note:  This was started in 2015, shortly after Donald Trump was elected president.  I was driving home from work, and saw a protest in progress, protesting the hate speech and actions towards Muslims.  I raced home to get candles and collect my son so we could participate.  As I revisit this today, in July of 2020, the import and relevance are even greater now than before.  We must continue to act and advocate.  To learn and teach.  There is no going back. 

Workbench Idea: 

Start to notice when you are feeling uncomfortable with an idea or difference of opinion. Just notice. Awareness is often the door to the beginning of change.

With love and light,

Kris

Shout out: To Dr. Armstrong and each of my excellent professors in the Anthropology department at SUNY Plattsburgh. Ever grateful for the foundation this course of study provided.

Resources:

• Photo by Photo by Sarah Ardin on Unsplash
• Good Read:  The Source by James Michener (this may have been why I chose Anthropology.)

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