Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Final Exam FINAL

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McMaster University *

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Anthropology

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Jan 9, 2024

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ANTHROP 2F03: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology: Listening Across Difference | Final Exam | Fall 2023 Instructions: For each question, please provide an answer in the form of a written paragraph. Please write in full sentences, rather than point form. Please aim for 2-3 sentences for each definition that is worth 1 point, 3-4 sentences for a question worth 2 points. Your answers for the questions can also be flexible. For example, there is more than one way to paraphrase an author’s argument. The most important thing is to show your knowledge of the course material. Please cite both readings (with Author name and page number) and lectures (just the name of the instructor is enough) when referring to material authored by someone else. If you have any questions about the exam, please email me and I’ll respond to the class in an A2L announcement. You have 24 hours to complete this exam. You need to upload this file with your answers in it on to A2L by 1:30 pm on December 7 th , 2023. Definition of concepts 1. Define structural racism (1) and give an example from the readings, the media, or from your own experience to illustrate the concept (2). Propose one way to overcome structural racism in a context that is familiar to you (1). Be specific in the example you give. /4 points Structural racism encompasses a complex framework where public policies, institutional practices, cultural depictions, and societal standards intertwine to sustain and amplify the disparities faced by different racial groups. In the realm of media, a striking manifestation of systemic racism manifests itself within the confines of the American criminal justice system. Extensive research and reports consistently unveil a disheartening truth: individuals belonging to marginalized communities, specifically those of African American and Hispanic descent, face a higher likelihood of encountering unwarranted stops, invasive searches, arrests, convictions, and severe sentencing when compared to their white counterparts who commit comparable offenses. This glaring inequity extends far beyond the realm of individual biases, instead firmly entrenched within the very foundations of legal and penal systems where laws, policies, and practices have historically operated against minority groups. In the Realm of Education: An effective strategy for tackling structural racism within the educational landscape revolves around the establishment and endorsement of fair funding practices across all schools. It is a common occurrence that educational

institutions situated in predominantly minority or economically disadvantaged neighborhoods receive insufficient funds and materials, ultimately resulting in a profound disparity in academic standards and prospects when juxtaposed with their wealthier, predominantly white counterparts. To rectify this, governing bodies can undertake a comprehensive reform of funding frameworks to ensure that each and every school receives an equitable allocation of resources, based solely on the needs of their students rather than relying on property taxes or other income-related metrics. 2. Define colonialism (1) and the related concept of orientalism (1). List one example of the legacy of colonialism in our contemporary moment (from lecture or a reading) (2). /4 points Colonialism can be seen as a dominating endeavor, involving the conquest of one nation by another. This process typically entails the establishment of foreign control over territories, accompanied by cultural, social, economic, and political transformations.The notion of Orientalism is a crucial framework shedding light on the frequen tly stereotypical depiction of Eastern civilizations as enchantingly foreign, archaic, uncultured, and occasionally perilous, juxtaposed against the perceived rationality, refinement, and superiority of the Western world. This concept exemplifies a form of cultural domination that has exerted a noteworthy influence on the dynamics between the West and the East, often providing a rationalization for colonial and imperialistic pursuits. The enduring impact of colonialism in our contemporary era, as expounded upon during our lecture, manifests itself through the notion of development serving as a means of neocolonialism. This concept gained prominence in the aftermath of World War II, coinciding with the establishment of organizations such as USAID and the advent of development aid. It entailed a reinvigorated version of evolutionism and a fresh understanding of progress, with Western nations positioning themselves as exemplars for the rest of the world. Anthropology assumed a pivotal role as the authoritative voice on "less developed" regions and populations, while the emergence of applied anthropology focused on guiding nations towards modernization in accordance with Western benchmarks. This approach to development can be perceived as a continuation of colonial prac tices, albeit cloaked in a different guise, thereby perpetuating unequal power dynamics and reinforcing the notion of Western superiority. 3. Describe the concept of the gift and explain how it differs from a commodity (1). Give one ethnographic example from the readings to illustrate this concept (2). /3 points

The notion of the gift pertains to the exchange of inherent objects among individuals who rely on one another reciprocally. When an individual bestows a gift, they maintain a connection to the item or service given and do not sever ties completely. This indicates an enduring relationship between the giver and the recipient, often accompanied by a social duty to reciprocate in some manner. On the other hand, a commodity involves the exchange of transferable objects between transactors who possess independent reciprocal status. The fundamental distinction lies in the character of the association and the entity itself. In the case of commodities, the pr oducer or seller becomes detached from the goods or services, signifying the absence of a sustained personal connection or obligation between them and the consumer. This transaction is typically impersonal and primarily driven by the market value of the commodity.To illustrate this notion using an example from ethnography, let us consider the customary potlatch ceremonies observed among Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest. During these ceremonies, leaders would distribute wealth and goods as a means of establishing or reinforcing social status and relationships within and between communities. These gifts encompassed more than mere material transactions; they bore significant social and cultural implications, fostering reciprocal obligations and communal bonds. Summaries of authors’/speakers’ arguments 4. How did Lauren Charman define art in her lecture (1) ? How does she see the importance of art for anthropology? (1). Give specific examples from her lecture (1). /3 points In Lauren Charman's lecture "Anthropology as Art", she explores the intersection of art and anthropology. She presents various theories on art, including its definition by institutions, its role in communicating human experiences, its ability to provoke critical thinking about society, and its appreciation for form and design. Charman also discusses the work of Alfred Gell, who argued that anything could be considered art from an anthropological perspective, including people, because of the seamless merge between the anthropological theory of art and social anthropology. She emphasizes art as a relational social process, involving sensory and emotional engagement with the world, and the evolving products of this process. The lecture highlights the importance of considering art within cultural anthropology, questioning power dynamics,

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privileging certain knowledge, and ethical responsibilities in sharing research. Charman uses examples like ethnodrama and arts-based fieldwork to illustrate these points. 5. What is the role of the cultural anthropologist in society (2)? Integrate a social theory discussed in lecture or readings into your discussion (1). Use arguments borrowed from one of the readings or lectures to back up your points (1). / 4 points Dissecting and offering insights into the intricate inner workings of human communities and cultures is the role of the cultural anthropologist in society. Over time, this role has changed dramatically, moving from that of an aloof observer to one of an actively involved participant with a stake in the research topic. In the lecture, Renato Rosaldo's work serves as an illustration of this evolving anthropological methodology. Rosaldo places a great emphasis on the anthropologist's subjective perspective in their research, fiercely opposing the idea of detached objectivity.Rather than limiting the analysis to the cultural meanings of activities, he advocates for a more thorough exploration of the inner significance and emotional drives that may defy conventional explanations.This method refutes the fallacy of objectivism in anthropology by recognizing that complete understanding is still unattainable and that ignorance can sometimes be a useful starting point for investigation. Rosaldo advocates for a dialogic approach to knowledge development rather than a one-sided one, emphasizing the need of experiencing and embracing emotions as essential to learning. This point of view, which highlights both the limitations of purely objective study and the complexity of human experiences, is the basis of cultural anthropology. It highlights the value of self- reflection, empathy, and en gagement in anthropological endeavors, enabling a more complex and humanistic understanding of many cultures. 6. How does Lucas Bessire describe the connection between colonialism and present-day aquifer depletion (1) ? Give one example from Running Out to illustrate that point. Be specific (2). /3 points Lucas Bessire illuminates the unsettling connection between colonization and the startling depletion of Kansas' aquifers in his examination of the worldwide water dilemma. Through an examination of the historical consequences of colonial policies and mindsets, Bessire reveals how pollution and population increase worsen the lack of clean water. As a result, the fragile state of aquifer loss threatens the treasured concept of home. This depletion

is evidence of the colonial ideology' lasting legacy, which favor unrelenting resource extraction and unrestrained consumption above sustainable practices, leading to environmental degradation and water scarcity in the end. A painful reminder of the far-reaching effects of previous colonial viewpoints on natural resources and their management is provided by the situation in Kansas, where decreasing aquifers are occurring. This reflection is especially visible in our current ecological issues. Short answer (opinion) 7. What is one social issue/idea that you changed your mind about as a result of taking this class (1). Explain how (2). /3 points To be honest, I learned a lot from this class and it brought about some changes in my thinking. Before attending the class, I wasn't aware that I held an ethnocentric viewpoint, subconsciously judging other cultures based on the standards and norms of my own culture. Studying this course brought about a significant change in my understanding, making me more empathetic and open-minded towards cultural differences, and highlighting the importance of avoiding judgments based on my own cultural biases. A simple example is my previous view of African countries as medically and economically backward. However, when I chose to view them from a different perspective, I found their cultures to be incredibly fascinating and discovered many aspects that I don't encounter in my everyday life. 8. What aspect of the article “Regeneration: Love, Drugs and the Remaking of Hispano Inheritance” by Angela Garcia made the biggest impression on you (1)? Explain why (2). /3 points In Angela Garcia's article, there are many aspects that attracted me. Garcia delves deeply into how drug addiction affects not only individuals but also families and communities across generations. This demonstrates the complexity of addiction, extending beyond the individual to consider broader social and cultural factors. The article also intertwines personal narratives with historical context. This combination provides a rich, multifaceted view of the issue, illustrating how historical injustices and long-standing cultural patterns contribute to the contemporary struggle with addiction. Factors such as kinship, inheritance, and culture allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the article.

9. What was your favorite text we read this semester (1)? Why? Be specific (2). /3 points Marilyn Strathern's essay "Gifts Money Cannot Buy" delves into the complexities surrounding the concept of gifts, particularly in the context of organ and tissue donation. Strathern explores the tension between the idea of gifts as altruistic, non-reciprocal acts and the underlying expectations of reciprocity and exchange.I like this article because it examines the cultural and social dimensions of donation, emphasizing the complex intertwining of economies of gifts and commodities in contemporary society. Additionally, the strength of the article lies in its deep anthropological analysis of the nuances in gift-giving and its impact on modern medical practices. Total points: 30

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Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Final Exam FINAL

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