On Wednesday 2/23 we had a multidisciplinary panel on immigration at Fullerton College. The event was inspired by the book Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario. The panelists were Josh Ashenmiller from the history department, Jodi Balma from Political Science, Flor Huerta from Counseling, me from Anthropology and our moderator was Adela Lopez from Ethnic Studies. Each panelist provided an overview of their perspective on immigration, yet being such a broad topic and having time limitations of 10 minutes, it was difficult to provide a holistic perspective on the topic.
Flor was the first one, she reminded us of the importance of getting to know the students at FC and getting past the stereotypes we have about undocumented students being ignorant and poor. She explained that many immigrants face additional challenges, but they are dedicated, hard-working, and many have very high academic training from their home countries. Overall, all students are working hard to pursue the American Dream of a better life. We should look at our similarities more than our differences.
Josh provided a very interesting overview of the historical attitudes and ideas about immigration. Many people claim that immigrants today are not like immigrants in the past, yet historically we can see that negative feelings and xenophobic attitudes have been the norm for all waves of immigration. He explained how difficult it is to discern the reasons for migration. Policies favor immigrants who are escaping political repression but not economic hardship. However, most immigrants are migrating due to economic hardship resulting from political repression.
Jodi explain the political climate now with the division of our governmental institutions. She expressed that it is highly unlikely that we will have an immigration reform within the next two years. Though an immigration reform is really what we need, we have a very uncertain (and possibly unsafe) immigration practice. Many immigrants are coming from various countries as visitors and yet decide to stay. These immigrants however, are not tracked by the government and some (like Canadians and Irish) just pass as documented due to their physical characteristics.
I discussed the wave of indigenous immigrants to the U.S. A major challenge for me was to provide conceptualize the framework which has led to the large wave of immigrants from Latin America to the U.S. Many U.S. citizens ignore the post-colonialism that has taken place in Latin America. The impact the U.S. presence has had in countries like Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Mexico (to name a few). Additionally, globalization and neoliberalism has made it extremely difficult to make a living in these countries. I conducted an ethnography of Oaxaquenos in Orange County in 2009, and then I visited Oaxaca and researched the effects this migration has had in the indigenous communities in Oaxaca. A vast majority of the agricultural labor in California is made up of immigrants, many of whom are indigenous. This has had a very negative effect in the indigenous communities in Oaxaca, domestic violence is one of the highest in Oaxaca. Additionally, there has been an increase in crime and gang membership there. California has one of the largest diaspora of Oaxaquenos with approximately 400,000 living in the U.S., about 100,000 migrate during the agricultural season. This has resulted in an interesting mixing of cultures. We are fortunate to enjoy the rich culture of Oaxaca in food, festivals, and more, and Oaxaca has been able to receive about large remittances (in 2007 there were 25 billion dollars in remittances). Yet, the money sent to Oaxaca does not stay there. During my visit I was surprised with the number of corporations which have opened business there (like Dominos Pizza, Burger King, Chase bank, McDonald's, etc.). These remittances are being moved back and forward with out borders (globalization).
So the main points to conclude the event were:
-Immigration is a necessity to keep the U.S. economy going.
-We must recognize that not all undocumented immigrants are Latinos (despite Arizona's policies and attacks).
-We need to have a comprehensive immigration reform, yet it is very difficult due to the political and economic situation. WHen the economy is bad people tend to find scape goats to blame for the situation.
My conclusion was that it is critical that we continue to have a discussion and explore the various facts that surrond this issue. We need to reflect on the moral issues we face as humans on the rights of the individual. Taking a multidisciplinary look, enables us to get closer to a holistic analysis of the issue, which is the aim of any anthropological perspective.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Body Language & ASL
A friend just sent me a link to this video which is not just hilarious, but demonstrates the complexity of human communication.
Part of linguistics anthropology is the study of non-verbal communication, which is very much a part of American Sign Language (ASL). I think this girl not only uses the correct signs to translate the song but also combines gestures, facial expressions, body movement, in other words kinesics to re-enact this song.
Let's see what you guys think:
Part of linguistics anthropology is the study of non-verbal communication, which is very much a part of American Sign Language (ASL). I think this girl not only uses the correct signs to translate the song but also combines gestures, facial expressions, body movement, in other words kinesics to re-enact this song.
Let's see what you guys think:
Panel on Immigration
Next week, Wednesday 2/23 Fullerton College is having a multidisciplinary panel on immigration, in honor of the book Enrique's Journey. I will be one of the panelists and will be talking about the issues indigenous immigrants face when they come to the U.S.
This will be held in rooms 224-228 at 10:30am in case any of you guys want to come by to check it out. I'm guessing we'll have a very divided crowd as this event was announced in the O.C. Register, and we talked about how vocal its readers tend to get (anti-immigration).
This will be held in rooms 224-228 at 10:30am in case any of you guys want to come by to check it out. I'm guessing we'll have a very divided crowd as this event was announced in the O.C. Register, and we talked about how vocal its readers tend to get (anti-immigration).
Great Documentary
The documentary titled The End of Poverty provides a great perspective to the reasons for inequalities worldwide. I also just watched El Norte and was thinking about the reasons that force immigrants to come to the U.S. Many Americans are very intolerant of undocumented immigrants, and these sentiments are only getting worse with the downfall of our economy. Yet many would not necessarily be as intolerant if they put in perspective the historical reasons for the situation and poverty many people in the world face.
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/end-of-poverty/
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/end-of-poverty/
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Should scholars join the showbiz?
I was recently talking to a friend who introduced me to Kara Cooney, an Egyptologist from UCLA who has been using her looks to gain ground the showbiz.
The question of whether or not scholars should utilize their looks to sensationalize traditional conservative scholarly fields came about. The questions we asked included whether or not academics should be part of shows that mirror Indiana Jones in their approach to water-down theories and sensationalize fields like Anthropology and Egyptology. I wondered however, if a character like Kara Cooney or David Cheetham should have their reputation damaged because they choose to participate in showbiz.
This is her website. It is interesting to look at her photos and wonder whether she is promoting Egyptologist research or herself.
http://www.karacooney.com/
The question of whether or not scholars should utilize their looks to sensationalize traditional conservative scholarly fields came about. The questions we asked included whether or not academics should be part of shows that mirror Indiana Jones in their approach to water-down theories and sensationalize fields like Anthropology and Egyptology. I wondered however, if a character like Kara Cooney or David Cheetham should have their reputation damaged because they choose to participate in showbiz.
This is her website. It is interesting to look at her photos and wonder whether she is promoting Egyptologist research or herself.
http://www.karacooney.com/
Digital Nation
The book we read this week reminded me of an amazing documentary on the effect of our addiction to being online. This PBS video explores the effects the internet has had on children, on college students, on policies countries like Korea have developed and even on giving elderly people a sense of belonging. It is very interesting and very relevant to this class.
Watch the full episode. See more FRONTLINE.
Biocultural/Evolutionary Anthropology
On Tuesday, I was invited to give a lecture on the Inca by a colleague and friend at CSU Fullerton. I was happy to visit the first college I thought at, and my alma mater.
I was surprised to see the many changes this department has undergone, one in particular called my attention. They have a new program called "Biocultural/Evolutionary Anthropology" and the description really got me thinking about some of the stuff (like Chagnon) we've discussed in class. Here it is:
"Biocultura/evolutionary anthropology is "an explicit evolutionary perspective" that integrates data from primatology, paleoanthropology, human biology, biomedicine, and human behavioral ecology to understand the adaptive nature of human biology and behavior, while attending to the social environment as an important determinant of, and constraint on behavior."
This definition seemed very vague and kind of contradictory. Are they saying that genes drive behavior but the environment determines it? What do you guys think?
It's interesting to contrast this to epigenetics.
I was surprised to see the many changes this department has undergone, one in particular called my attention. They have a new program called "Biocultural/Evolutionary Anthropology" and the description really got me thinking about some of the stuff (like Chagnon) we've discussed in class. Here it is:
"Biocultura/evolutionary anthropology is "an explicit evolutionary perspective" that integrates data from primatology, paleoanthropology, human biology, biomedicine, and human behavioral ecology to understand the adaptive nature of human biology and behavior, while attending to the social environment as an important determinant of, and constraint on behavior."
This definition seemed very vague and kind of contradictory. Are they saying that genes drive behavior but the environment determines it? What do you guys think?
It's interesting to contrast this to epigenetics.
New Video On Genetic Tree Of Life
I was recently checking my favorite website, topdocumentaryfilms.com, and I came across Spencer Wells' new documentary titled Tree of Life, where just as Journey of Man, he (in combination with National Geographic & IBM) traces the genetic code of diverse populations.
This time, he goes to Queens N.Y. where you find the most diverse population. Through DNA analysis, they are able to trace the genetic history of the origins of various people. As fascinating as this sounds, it raises a lot of questions to me. What assumptions are being made and what do they leave behind?
Check out the video http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/human-family-tree/
The San Diego Museum of Man has an exhibit about this and also the American Anthro Assoc. recent (amazing!!) Race exhibit. You should take some time to go visit these.
This time, he goes to Queens N.Y. where you find the most diverse population. Through DNA analysis, they are able to trace the genetic history of the origins of various people. As fascinating as this sounds, it raises a lot of questions to me. What assumptions are being made and what do they leave behind?
Check out the video http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/human-family-tree/
The San Diego Museum of Man has an exhibit about this and also the American Anthro Assoc. recent (amazing!!) Race exhibit. You should take some time to go visit these.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day? I think not...
Today, the U.S. (and other countries as well) celebrate Valentine's day, but what do we really celebrate? Love? Friendship? Relationships? This is what Wikipedia had to say:
Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day,is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs, Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It was deleted from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
To me, this seems more as a Hallmark made up holiday, another excuse to shop and spend money (usually on credit, driving us into further debt) on things that would more than likely wind up contributing to the excessive pollution we produce. Yet, does this holiday make us happier? Does it promote more love amongst each other?
I hardly think so. I visited the mall and observed the way that people frantically shop last minute for their loved. The lines at See's Candy and Godiva were out the door. The restaurants had a minimum waiting time of one hour, at 4:30pm!!
I must say I enjoyed watching the way other people react to the pressure to celebrate and conform to this "holiday" while I once again, refused to celebrate it, in the conventional way. Instead, I chose to do what I do everyday, show my love in the everyday actions. :)
Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day,is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs, Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It was deleted from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
To me, this seems more as a Hallmark made up holiday, another excuse to shop and spend money (usually on credit, driving us into further debt) on things that would more than likely wind up contributing to the excessive pollution we produce. Yet, does this holiday make us happier? Does it promote more love amongst each other?
I hardly think so. I visited the mall and observed the way that people frantically shop last minute for their loved. The lines at See's Candy and Godiva were out the door. The restaurants had a minimum waiting time of one hour, at 4:30pm!!
I must say I enjoyed watching the way other people react to the pressure to celebrate and conform to this "holiday" while I once again, refused to celebrate it, in the conventional way. Instead, I chose to do what I do everyday, show my love in the everyday actions. :)
Are all chats the same?
I just completed a synchronous reflection assignment and found myself disappointed with the outcome. It may be because I'm completely new to chatting, or perhaps it is the propensity of humans to use chat rooms as mediums to find mates. I don't know, but I was really hoping to complete this assignment in a site that had members who were discussing intellectual topics which would be fascinating to follow.
I typed "live chat rooms" in the google and found mainly those which center around singles looking to meet others. I then visited NPR and KPFK but could not find any. At one point I found one on CNN that followed the situation in Egypt, but then I realized the chat room was already close.
Does anybody know of any chats that would be more academic? Or do we just have to accept the function of the chat being an extended dating site?
I typed "live chat rooms" in the google and found mainly those which center around singles looking to meet others. I then visited NPR and KPFK but could not find any. At one point I found one on CNN that followed the situation in Egypt, but then I realized the chat room was already close.
Does anybody know of any chats that would be more academic? Or do we just have to accept the function of the chat being an extended dating site?
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Ethics vs. Objective Research
This past week we were discussing the issue of ethics in research and being able to conduct empirical research.
I thought this was a very interesting subject, which reminds me of the debates that Clifford Geertz (an interpretive anthropologist) and Marvin Harris (a cultural materialist/positivist) use to have. Both anthropologists would attack each other for the validity of their research. Geertz would take an approach which basically challenged the notion of having an absolutely 'biased-free' ethnography, stating that interpretation was a key component of any ethnography. Harris, on the other hand, promoted the idea that objectivity and an etic approach was fundamental to ethnographic research and that the ethnographer was capable of identifying causal explanations. I think both of them were right in their own way, but mainly this debate can very much be applied to our discussion of ethics and objective research.
On the one hand, we must protect the identity of the human subject, but online, how can we ever make sure we know the true identity of the participant? Should we? How replicable or empirical can research be if you cannot ever validate or replicate or prove the research that is being conducted?
Additionally, online research becomes obsolete very quickly as technologies continue to change. By the time the ethnographer publishes the book, it is very possible that the system is either out dated or not as used any more (like Second Life). Should be move to publishing research online and constantly be updating it, like we do through venues like this blog?
I thought this was a very interesting subject, which reminds me of the debates that Clifford Geertz (an interpretive anthropologist) and Marvin Harris (a cultural materialist/positivist) use to have. Both anthropologists would attack each other for the validity of their research. Geertz would take an approach which basically challenged the notion of having an absolutely 'biased-free' ethnography, stating that interpretation was a key component of any ethnography. Harris, on the other hand, promoted the idea that objectivity and an etic approach was fundamental to ethnographic research and that the ethnographer was capable of identifying causal explanations. I think both of them were right in their own way, but mainly this debate can very much be applied to our discussion of ethics and objective research.
On the one hand, we must protect the identity of the human subject, but online, how can we ever make sure we know the true identity of the participant? Should we? How replicable or empirical can research be if you cannot ever validate or replicate or prove the research that is being conducted?
Additionally, online research becomes obsolete very quickly as technologies continue to change. By the time the ethnographer publishes the book, it is very possible that the system is either out dated or not as used any more (like Second Life). Should be move to publishing research online and constantly be updating it, like we do through venues like this blog?
Why Your DNA Isn't Your Destiny
Why Your DNA Isn't Your Destiny
I was recently working on revising the Test Bank and Instructor's Manual for a book on Human Evolution and I was fascinated with some recent discoveries. Though this project was very labor intense and exhausting, it was nice to read and revisit some of the concepts I teach in Physical Anthropology.
The topic of epigenetics really caught my attention. Epigenetics describe the way that genes are not necessarily determinants of our characteristics. These epigenes are software that turn on or off particular genes, so that even in cases where two individuals have identical DNA (like monozygotic twins) they will not have the same genetic expressions. This new discovery further discredits biological deterministic ideas (such as those claimed by some Evolutionary Psychologists) and once again supports the importance of the environment.
Read this article to find out more information on this.
I was recently working on revising the Test Bank and Instructor's Manual for a book on Human Evolution and I was fascinated with some recent discoveries. Though this project was very labor intense and exhausting, it was nice to read and revisit some of the concepts I teach in Physical Anthropology.
The topic of epigenetics really caught my attention. Epigenetics describe the way that genes are not necessarily determinants of our characteristics. These epigenes are software that turn on or off particular genes, so that even in cases where two individuals have identical DNA (like monozygotic twins) they will not have the same genetic expressions. This new discovery further discredits biological deterministic ideas (such as those claimed by some Evolutionary Psychologists) and once again supports the importance of the environment.
Read this article to find out more information on this.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Internet Research Ethics
The following are some notes I got from my class Life Online regarding internet research ethics.
o IRB- Institutional Review Board they oversee ‘human subjects research/review
o 3 overarching principles:
o Autonomy- informed consent, anonymity/confidentiality (also part of benefit), vulnerable populations (possible coercive effects)
• Anonymity-
o Beneficence- the benefits of the research has to out weight the risks
o Justice- any advantages are fairly distributed.
• 2001- American Anthropology Association had a scandal about Napoleon Chagnon. A book was written which focuses on discrediting Chagnon, Darkness in El Dorado, "The Fierce Anthropologist", by Patrick Tierney Chagnon was accused of purposely spreading measles into the villages. The AAA issued a report condemning Chagnon for his practices, for not giving vaccinations to the subjects because it would have impacted their research.
• Things to consider- what are the obligations of the researcher to the subjects?
o Risks, audience, purpose, confidentiality,
o Issues arise for anthropologists when they study higher end groups.
o We owe at minimum gratitude, and protection to our human subjects.
o Persistence of data- not everyone is aware of how archived and long-term data is online and the accessibility of it.
• Distinction between perception and reality
• Keep track of identifying info they may not have put online
o The Internet has the ability to bring together in the same activity that has very different understanding of the activity.
o Written vs. oral consent-
• Vulnerable population- as long as the topic is not inheritably controversial and you’re not targeting a site with a large population of minors. As long as you ask to be notified if you the subject are not over 18, you should be ok.
It is definitely a complex situation.
o IRB- Institutional Review Board they oversee ‘human subjects research/review
o 3 overarching principles:
o Autonomy- informed consent, anonymity/confidentiality (also part of benefit), vulnerable populations (possible coercive effects)
• Anonymity-
o Beneficence- the benefits of the research has to out weight the risks
o Justice- any advantages are fairly distributed.
• 2001- American Anthropology Association had a scandal about Napoleon Chagnon. A book was written which focuses on discrediting Chagnon, Darkness in El Dorado, "The Fierce Anthropologist", by Patrick Tierney Chagnon was accused of purposely spreading measles into the villages. The AAA issued a report condemning Chagnon for his practices, for not giving vaccinations to the subjects because it would have impacted their research.
• Things to consider- what are the obligations of the researcher to the subjects?
o Risks, audience, purpose, confidentiality,
o Issues arise for anthropologists when they study higher end groups.
o We owe at minimum gratitude, and protection to our human subjects.
o Persistence of data- not everyone is aware of how archived and long-term data is online and the accessibility of it.
• Distinction between perception and reality
• Keep track of identifying info they may not have put online
o The Internet has the ability to bring together in the same activity that has very different understanding of the activity.
o Written vs. oral consent-
• Vulnerable population- as long as the topic is not inheritably controversial and you’re not targeting a site with a large population of minors. As long as you ask to be notified if you the subject are not over 18, you should be ok.
It is definitely a complex situation.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
David Garrett in Concert
Tonight I went to hear the famous violinist David Garrett in concert. It was very interesting to see the way this innovative, young violinist mixes rock and role with classical sounds, like those produced by the violin. When one thinks of a violinist in concert, one doesn't expect to hear songs by artists like Metallica, Nirvana, and Guns and Roses. Yet Garrett makes this happen in a delightful and inspiring way.
David Garrett was born in Germany, to a famous American ballerina and a successful German attorney and business man. Garrett began playing the violin when he was four and had been playing the classics all through his childhood and teens. At 17 he decided to study in New York and several scholarships as well as money for school by modeling. I think Garrett was rebelling against the classical music style and created a unique genera by mixing the two.
At the concert, Garrett was wearing jeans and unlaced shoes with a dress jacket. In between songs, he tells interesting and funny anecdotes about his life.
Such unique, relaxed style made me think of the way media has impacted younger generations, making it possible for mixture like this one to emerge. The amount of information available through the web enables us to learn about various styles and it allows for new ones to emerge.
It will be interesting to see how this young artist and his music continues evolve overtime, and inevitably his fans will follow.
David Garrett was born in Germany, to a famous American ballerina and a successful German attorney and business man. Garrett began playing the violin when he was four and had been playing the classics all through his childhood and teens. At 17 he decided to study in New York and several scholarships as well as money for school by modeling. I think Garrett was rebelling against the classical music style and created a unique genera by mixing the two.
At the concert, Garrett was wearing jeans and unlaced shoes with a dress jacket. In between songs, he tells interesting and funny anecdotes about his life.
Such unique, relaxed style made me think of the way media has impacted younger generations, making it possible for mixture like this one to emerge. The amount of information available through the web enables us to learn about various styles and it allows for new ones to emerge.
It will be interesting to see how this young artist and his music continues evolve overtime, and inevitably his fans will follow.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The O.C. Register on Immigration
I was recently checking the good-old O.C. Register online news on immigration and I was sadden by a new bill being proposed by self-proclaimed Minuteman Assamblyman Tim Donnelly which resembles Arizona bill SB7010 which criminalizes undocumented immigrants.
One of the things that saddens me the most is the racist comments made by people who read the OC Register, like the one below:
"I think this is absolutely fantastic. I am so tired of all the Mexicans here. They come here for a better life but don't even have enough respect for this country to speak english. I couldn't even get a job at McDonald's because of all the Mexicans. And they call themselves Mexican Americans. That's disgusting. It's about time we did something about this. We need to take America back! Not everyone will like my comment but we all are entitled to our opinions."
This made me think, you are in Southern California and yet you are tired of all the Mexicans here?
Newsflash, Mexicans have been here for longer than you have buddy! Additionally, this person is lumping all Mexicans into one so-call "race" as though they can be homogenous and visually identified.
Another comment came from a "Betty Crocker" like woman who stated the following:
"This is some of the best news I have heard in a long time!!
We really need to get the illegals out of California. We are totally broke and can ill afford services for illegal immigrants wherever they snuck in from"
This woman is completely ignoring the fact that our economy is the way it is now, not because of undocumented immigrants but because of the poor/selfish choices our politicians have made the past years, and the result of unregulated capitalism.
Check out the article and maybe make a comment http://www.ocregister.com/news/bill-286334-san-california.html
One of the things that saddens me the most is the racist comments made by people who read the OC Register, like the one below:
"I think this is absolutely fantastic. I am so tired of all the Mexicans here. They come here for a better life but don't even have enough respect for this country to speak english. I couldn't even get a job at McDonald's because of all the Mexicans. And they call themselves Mexican Americans. That's disgusting. It's about time we did something about this. We need to take America back! Not everyone will like my comment but we all are entitled to our opinions."
This made me think, you are in Southern California and yet you are tired of all the Mexicans here?
Newsflash, Mexicans have been here for longer than you have buddy! Additionally, this person is lumping all Mexicans into one so-call "race" as though they can be homogenous and visually identified.
Another comment came from a "Betty Crocker" like woman who stated the following:
"This is some of the best news I have heard in a long time!!
We really need to get the illegals out of California. We are totally broke and can ill afford services for illegal immigrants wherever they snuck in from"
This woman is completely ignoring the fact that our economy is the way it is now, not because of undocumented immigrants but because of the poor/selfish choices our politicians have made the past years, and the result of unregulated capitalism.
Check out the article and maybe make a comment http://www.ocregister.com/news/bill-286334-san-california.html
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