Yeehaa!

Ian Mast (imast@SUN.CIS.SMU.EDU)
Fri, 21 Jul 1995 12:47:40 -0500

I must say I am very pleased with the entertaining array of messages which
have graced my computer monitor the last week or so. I used to have to
wait for Geraldo to come on to see such passion and intrigue. Now I can
enjoy all the same drivel at any time of the day by simply reading my e-mail.

For what its worth, I entered anthropology with the idea that my training
might enable me to be more sensitive to groups of people who have
historically been disadvantaged. (That seems a bit arrogant when I see it
written out. Nobody asked for my help.) Anyway, I have a host of ideas
and thoughts regarding advocacy anthropology and cultural brokerage that I
won't bore the list with. I am sure that my thoughts are obscure and
inaccurate as I choose not to back them up with tirades.

Okay, I'm too egotisitical to finish without spouting a little. It seems
that the easist way to approach current national and international
policies is to either support them wholeheartedly or denounce them
wholeheartedly. The truly courageous path is to operate within a dirty
system and still strive for loftier goals. Not much power or prestige in
this method but I would offer that it is ultimatley more effective. I do
not disagree with Johnson's desire to defend the rebels in Chiapas and to
defend indigenous rights regarding their cultural heritage. However, I
wonder how many people have been won over by being called an idiot. I
also wonder how effective the role of the Internet is in current social,
political and economic power structures.

Don't mind me, I'm just a student.
Ian Mast
imast@sun.cis.smu.edu