Reference no: EM133255655

Question: One of the challenges of anthropology is to examine other cultures with as little bias as possible. Often when we encounter other cultures, especially ones that are very different, we tend to become defensive, primarily because we're uncomfortable or uncertain. Part of this process is to reassert why our beliefs, behaviors, values are better than the ones "those people" have so we can feel better about ourselves and less intimidated by others. From food to religion to everything else we do, we feel the need to believe that our way is the best way. This is a natural reaction. The key to being a good anthropologist is not to worry whose way is better, but instead to try understand other cultures from their perspective. In other words, instead of looking at things from where you are, try to see things from where others are. This is not at all easy, but the nice thing about this class is that some of "those people" are your fellow students. Learn from each other and then maybe "they" will become "us."

Before we really get going in this class, what are your thoughts when you hear the word culture? Do you know where your ideas about culture come from? Are you able to separate what you learned from what you think? (Careful, that last one's tricky.)