the lack of coverage

Josh Chisom (mail4josh@MAIL.UTEXAS.EDU)
Thu, 24 Oct 1996 18:12:07 -0500

The point is, would anthropologists rather complain about the lack of
coverage than make a real attempt to get this information out to the
public? I hope this is not true but I'd like to hear others'
opinions.

Best,

Alayne
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I think one of the true problems is realtied to something Alayne
mentioned: that "reality", is so complex. 'We' ,as a hi-tech culture, as
news consumers, have far too much information to digest to delve into the
nuances and complexities of cultural phenomena or of historical
perspective. Unfortunately, I think that this boils down to the fact that
people in general won't appreciate or comprehend the intricacies of culture
that we try so hard to illumine. Not because they can't intellectually, but
because they simply haven't the time. Further, it seems that the fact that
the press doesn't consult us is because the public doesn't know what we
really do, and therefore won't be impressed with our title of
anthropologist. Hell, most of the people I talk to ask me what it's like
digging things out of the ground. On the other hand, sociologist or
psychologist has a familiar ring to it, imparts the authority of a doctor
or government official.

Just an idea...

Josh Chisom
UT Austin