Why I Chose to Study Anthropology and the Diversity It Brings
My academic journey began with a major in philosophy, but my experience at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) broadened my horizons in a significant way. During my time there, I was required to take a series of liberal arts courses. It was during one of these courses—an introductory anthropology course—that I discovered the fascinating world of cutting-edge anthropologists conveniently located in my own department. This marked the beginning of a profound interest that led to a double major in philosophy of science and anthropology.
My journey further deepened when I found myself at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where a half-year course in “Introduction to Anthropological Archaeology” ignited a passion within me. The subject was both interesting and cohesive—every aspect made sense, and nothing could compare. Since the age of eight, my aspiration was to become an archaeologist. Before that, my dream was to curate a museum; little did I know that these aspirations were merging seamlessly into a path of profound scholarly exploration.
The Allure of Anthropology
Anthropology stands out as a discipline that embraces a vast array of topics. By prefixing any of its fundamental concepts with “ethno-” or “archaeo-,” one can explore a myriad of subjects that intersect fascinatingly with other academic disciplines. The breadth of anthropological studies is comparable to the facets of a crystal, shining light on fields such as geology, music, economics, biology, linguistics, psychology, animal behavior, art, and religion.
As a graduate student, I took classes in multiple departments to meet my academic needs. Courses I undertook ranged from pollen analysis, ecology, and geology to philosophy, history, German, French, Navajo museum studies, and historical linguistics. My academic journey took me to diverse projects such as historical archaeology, prehistoric archaeology, and historical anthropology. I worked with various specialists in environmental science, architectural historians, landscape architects, soil scientists, GIS experts, and engineers. These endeavors took me to ancient Pueblo sites, western US homesteads, colonial mill sites, New England coastal fortifications, a Paleoindian camp, a Louisiana plantation, an old cemetery, a Spanish presidio, a small hunting camp on the Niagara River, and projects adjacent to the Rio Grande, as well as the Statue of Liberty.
Comparative and Historical Perspectives
One of the most compelling aspects of anthropology is its comparative and diachronic nature. This discipline allows scholars to examine cultures across vast temporal, geographic, and cultural gaps. Anthropology provides a lens to understand the past and present of any culture, making it a rich field to explore. It is not about advocating for radical cultural relativism or undermining standards, but rather about leading a life that is "examined." This practice can be likened to depth psychology, revealing patterns often from a shared past that we carry with us.
One key strength of anthropology is its comparative approach, which sheds light on cultural patterns that span wide temporal and geographic divides. Whether one is researching exotic practices or personal experiences with strangers, anthropological methods can provide valuable insights. This does not imply that anthropologists cannot hold beliefs or standards; rather, it underscores the importance of articulating and questioning these beliefs within an academic framework.
Embracing Human Heritage
Anthropology offers a panoply of human heritage from various times and traditions, providing a rich feast of knowledge to enjoy and learn from. Engaging with different cultural perspectives and traditions can broaden one's mind, making them less narrow-minded and more tolerant of diversity. Understanding that various solutions to a problem exist, and that truth can be revealed through different idioms and symbols, enriches one's understanding of the human experience.
Studying anthropology is both a journey of discovery and a commitment to understanding the complexities of the human condition. It is an interdisciplinary field that continues to inspire and challenge me, making it a fulfilling and enriching academic pursuit.