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Anthropology and Moral Optimism

Anthropology and Moral Optimism. Ideas and inspiration from Michel- Rolph Trouillot, Global Transformations In memoriam, 1949-2012. Optimism and Pessimism. S eem like opposites, but More of one does not mean less of the other Reducing one does not increase the other Need both

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Anthropology and Moral Optimism

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  1. AnthropologyandMoral Optimism Ideas and inspiration from Michel-Rolph Trouillot, Global Transformations In memoriam, 1949-2012 ©2012-2013 Living Anthropologically

  2. Optimism and Pessimism • Seem like opposites, but • More of one does not mean less of the other • Reducing one does not increase the other • Need both • Antonio Gramsci called for “pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will”: realistic knowledge of the world, but resilient hope and understanding that things can be different ©2012-2013 Living Anthropologically

  3. Hope • Hope is most important when things are going badly in the world; in the face of almost certain destruction, hope is a Gramscian optimism of the will. Such “unrealistic” hope begins in considering the possibility that tiny cracks might yet break open the dam. • Anna Tsing, Friction(2005:267) ©2012-2013 Living Anthropologically

  4. Why do biological anthropologists • Measure hormonal levels for longitudinal data • “Mothers and Others” • Meticulously document baboon grooming • “What are Friends For?” • Measure height and nutrition for the Maya of Guatemala • “The Tall and the Short of It” ©2012-2013 Living Anthropologically

  5. Why do archaeologists • Sift through garbage and food waste • “Clean Your Plate” • Excavate terraces in the Bolivian Altiplano • “The Secrets of Ancient Tiawanaku” • Investigate plantation records and knickknacks • “The Challenge of Race to American Historical Archaeology” ©2012-2013 Living Anthropologically

  6. Why do socio-cultural anthropologists • Scour historical accounts for references to “berdache” • “Strange Country This” • Study texting in Zimbabwe • “Cell phones, Sharing, and Social Status in an African Society” • Keep doing fieldwork in the Middle East • “Do Muslim Women Really Need Saving?” ©2012-2013 Living Anthropologically

  7. Why do linguistic anthropologists • Sit in silence with the Apache • “To Give up on Words” • Record the talk of boys and girls • “Talk in the Intimate Relationship” • Decipher sign language among the Bedouin • “Village of the Deaf” ©2012-2013 Living Anthropologically

  8. Not just arcane facts…Not a retreat or refuge… Anthropology • a counter-punctual dialogue with Western power • challenges assumptions to effect change ©2012-2013 Living Anthropologically

  9. You have suggested that humans are by nature selfish and greedy; I will show you fundamental human empathy and altruism; So that you and I can think of ways to include human values as part of our economic concerns.

  10. You have said that inequality and hierarchy is inevitable; I will show you cooperation and solidarity; So that you and I can work together against the harmful effects of pronounced inequality.

  11. You have claimed short-term profit concerns must be followed; I will show you ancient technologies with long-range dynamism and sustainability; So that you and I can work toward the long-term health of the planet we share.

  12. You say capitalism produces progress everywhere; I will show you the underside of capitalist development, at home and abroad; So that you and I can be more realistic about addressing issues of poverty and inequality.

  13. You have said that capitalist globalization is invincible; I will show you resistance, appropriation, and transformation; So that you and I can envision a future not driven by sheer accumulation.

  14. You have suggested that biological race determines behavior; I will show you that beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors vary within and across racial lines; So that you and I can envision a future where one race does not dominate another.

  15. You have argued that heterosexual monogamy has a biological basis; I will show you a range of successful marriages and families; So that you and I can envision a future where individuals and families are not persecuted.

  16. You have suggested that gender inequality is ancient and enduring; I will show you an astounding range of gender arrangements; So that you and I can work toward gender equality.

  17. You have argued that human violence is inevitable; I will show you the potential for human kindness and compassion, within and across borders; So that you and I can envision a future where conflict does not lead to bloodshed.

  18. You have said we need to use military might to liberate oppressed peoples; I will show you that people do not necessarily think they need “liberation”; So that you and I can more carefully consider how and when to intervene.

  19. At the end of the day • Futures murky • Utopias just lost innocence • Seize “moral optimism” of anthropology • But not naïve liberalism ©2012-2013 Living Anthropologically

  20. The anthropology song:A little bit anthropologist http://youtu.be/LHv6rw6wxJY ©2012-2013 Living Anthropologically

  21. Choose moral optimism and hang onto it • Not because naïve—can’t afford naïveté • We choose this side of humanity • Alternatives are lousy • Anthropology is best way to show • Human richness and variability ©2012-2013 Living Anthropologically

  22. Thank You Please copy and share! stay connected Click for Kindle Subscription

  23. stay in touch • Link to • http://www.livinganthropologically.com/anthropology-powerpoint/moral-optimism/ • Suggestions and comments welcome • E-mail: jason@livinganthropologically.com • If this was helpful, please click to donate and spread the word • All donations promote Living Anthropologically ©2012-2013 Living Anthropologically

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