Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Final Blog Comment

When I registered for anthropology, I thought it was the study of ancient cultures. Something similar to history. I expected to learn a lot of facts, names of ancient tribes, etc. Basically mostly things I would never need in every day life. However, I was very very wrong!!! The Kottak chapters presented many interesting concepts, that could all be applied today (not only to ancient tribes). The conformity and conflict essays were all captivating and full of things I have never heard of. What I liked most about both texts, was that they were both thought provoking. I was left thinking and analyzing.
Another unexpected thing was the mini-ethnography experience. When first reading about it in the syllabus, I thought it would be just like any other paper that you do, hand in and forget it. It is definitely NOT the case. My cultural consultant happened to be my best friend, and it amazed me how much I did not know or understand about the person I am so close with for many years. Moreover, aside from learning things about my best friend, I realized that there are many things around me that I never bothered to understand. I began to find myself more curious about why people do certain things, and how things originated. I noticed that in every day conversations with different people at my job, I am more patient even when the cultural differences are great.
On a more personal note, I cannot say enough how much I appreciate the understanding, caring, wise and inspiring Professor that I had a privilege to study with and meet. Thank you so much Professor Gaunt for always being there and always understanding, it meant the world to me and I will see you next semester in BLS =) Looking forward to more great times!!! Have an amazing summer =)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Dianna Shandy "The Road to Refugee Resettlement"

Dianna Shandy "The Road to Refugee Resettlement"

The author in the very beginning mentions how we tend to label anyone who comes to the United States from other countries an immigrant. We fail to realize that people have different reasons due to which they choose to leave their home country. All of them have their own story and hopes and beliefs and dreams. Yes, some of them will happen to be similar but what this essay made me realize is that if you start listening you will begin to see the differences. Refugees are immigrants in a sense, but they come to the United States and other countries not simply out of a desire for a better life but because it is very difficult for them to continue living in their home country.

Reading about Thok Ding, I could not help but admire the courage he had to leave his family. Not only to come to the United States but to travel across Africa from one refugee camp to the next. Dianna Shandy clearly describes how difficult it is for a refugee to adapt to a different environment and how quickly they are forced to do it. The author’s essay also showed how important the work of the United Nations and volunteer groups is in helping refugees begin a new and hopefully better life. When Thok Ding came to a completely new country the volunteer took him into his home, and the organization found him and apartment and job. Without these people the transition would have been much more difficult.

It was interesting to me to see the analogy between the Nuer’s nomadic lifestyle in Sudan and in the United States. The Nuer people easily relocated from state to state as it was convenient for them. Many people I know are not as willing to move to a different place even if they do not have family ties where they are. They simply are used to the place they live and do not deal well with change. The Nuer people spent most of their lives moving with their cattle from low to high ground and back. So, they are more accustomed to changing conditions and less permanent homes. Overall, Ms. Shandy’s account of Thok Ding’s experience really touched me and introduced me to the difficulties faced by refugees. It amazed me how determined this person is in creating a better life not only for him, but his family.

Bibliography
Shandy, Dianna. “The Road to Refugee Resettlement". In Conformity and Conflict: Readings in Cultural Anthropology, 12 ed., ed. Spradley and McCurdy. Allyn & Bacon, 2008, 151-160.