AnthroCurrents April 27, 2017

Photo from the exhibit at Parsons School of Design. Backpacks left behind by border crossers. Image by Marc Tatti.

Ugandan anthropologist and activist Stella Nyanzi was arrested for cyber harassment when the government changed their minds about giving free sanitary pads to girls who miss school during their period because they cannot afford them.

This haunting exhibit of items U.S.-Mexico border crossers leave behind forces visitors to see the ‘contemporary calamity’ we many times find easier to ignore. Anthropologist Jason De León who is also director of the Undocumented Migration Project, created the exhibit.

Ruth Behar discusses how her anthropological training influenced as well as hindered her creative writing. Can ethnographic writing consist of beautiful prose and be academically rigorous? In regards to her new book, Ruth states, “After working so hard my entire career to feel smart enough to earn a place in academe, I treasure the idea of children reading a book of mine.”

The Financial Times is talking about ethnography and attesting that cultural understanding can transform business, including banking and the boardroom.

AnthroCurrents is a biweekly look at how the world sees anthropology. Add your comments below, or send tips and links to our Contact Us page.

Follow us on Twitter (@NapaAnthro), Facebook (@NAPA.Anthro), or LinkedIn (National Association for the Practice of Anthropology).