Re: graduate method & theory course
Robert Johnson (johnsorl@COLORADO.EDU)
Sun, 9 Jul 1995 09:46:17 -0600
On Sat, 8 Jul 1995, Robert J. Hard wrote:
> I am preparing my fall syllabus for a M.A. graduate seminar titled
> "Recent Advances in Archaeological Method & Theory". The U. Texas-San
> Antonio program emphasizes the Maya region, the American Southwest, and Texas. Some go on for a Ph.D.
> others enter CRM careers. My goal is to provide a grounding
> in method and theory so that the students can develop problem oriented
> research in their M.A. theses and beyond. I would like to know what you
> consider the most important, or your favorite, method and/or theory (your
> definitions) articles (1-3) published in the last 25-30 years.
> Bob Hard
I consider the most important aspect of method and theory which
addresses the context of archaeology in the U.S. Southwest and
the Mayan region is what has not been published.
I would like to know what are the prevailing apologetics for the
ignoring of the systematic murder of the Mayan peoples by the
governments of El Salvador and Guatemala by archaeologists who
appropriate the cultural heritage of these peoples as expressed in
the archaeological record.
I would like to know why there is generalized silence in the
archeaological community of the U.S. Southwest over the destruction
and removal from cultural context of the petroglyphs in Albuquerque
to facilitate a quicker downtown commute from upscale housing
developments. Who are the archaeologists and anthropologists that
justify this act of cultural genocide against the indigenous peoples
of the U.S. Southwest?
I would like to know the current rationalizations of the
"Cultural Resource Managers" who facilitate the destruction of
Native American cultural heritage by resource "extraction
industries" on lands illegally held in denial of treaty rights
by the U.S. government.
I would like to know the rationalization of archaeologists and
anthropologists for their participation in the side show carnivals
and "travel industry" expansion plans of the profiteering "non-profit"
foundations such as Crow Canyon Archaeological Center (Crow Canyon
Disneyland) who, while effecting "politically-correct" facades for
public "consumption," give snake oil pep talks to future arch and
anthro grads. on the opportunities available after those who
account the choices of Native American peoples have lost their
funding based on government perceptions of the "private"
profitability of the newly emerging archaeology "industry."
I would like to know what is the rational at Crow Canyon for the
"vacation" packages offered amidst the further desecration and
removal of the graves of the ancestors of the indigenous peoples of
the U.S. Southwest.
I would like to know why there has never been a definitive statement
from the American archaeological community on the lie of Sandia Cave
perpetuated in deference to Frank Hibben. Is it to resurrect the
belief that the indigenous peoples of the U.S. Southwest could not
have risen to the heights of civilization without "white" influence?
Is it because as stated in the article in The New Yorker of June 12,
1995 that "Many still fear Hibben." AS a pioneer of the political
schmoozing and retributive antics rife in the American archaeological
community, Frank Hibben disgusts me rather than inspires awe.
I think Frank Hibben's tried to pull a fraud over Sandia Cave.
He has stated that he would sue anyone who publically states that
he is a fraud concerning Sandia Cave. Well Frank, are you a coward
and a bullshitter also?
Robert Johnson
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