I chose this article because it shows a shifting view of the results of European, and specifically British, colonialism and hegemony during recent human history. The idea that the theft of items of such cultural importance was justified by empires bringing "benefits, including education and legislation" to "uncivilised" peoples is one that goes back time immemorial. These ideas are seen as anachronistic today given a quote by current French President, Emmanuel Macron. He stated that such artifacts “can no longer remain a prisoner of European museums”.

I learned just how much of many world famous museums are in possession of cultural artifacts that were obtained using dubious legal justification. It was also interesting to learn that the vast majority of artifacts or items are kept hidden away from the public in the archives. The British Museum for example has 8 million items in their collection!

I found this article interesting and so chose it as it illustrates the power of shame in society and, in some cases, regardless of your beliefs. 
To the best of my knowledge people don’t change their hard-held opinions overnight so it appears that it was Louis’ embarrassment over the interview and subsequent public shaming that inspired the change. After reading this article I learned, furthermore, how shame can be a major motivator in decision making  

All forms of racism are disgraceful, and this article is a reminder that it exists all over the world, even in Germany where there is a strong cultural/historical awareness of just how horrid racism is and what it can lead to. I have a very difficult time understanding how one can hate another based on culture or religion, or any personal choices – especially those that do not cause harm to others.  

As anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures and their development (one definition) I would be interested to learn where hate for “the other” originates from. I am aware that since the 1600’s there were many ridiculous claims put forward by leading scientists, doctors, politicians, surgeons, philosophers and anthropologists that those with darker skin or of different ethnicities were inferior (some even suggested that Caucasians had larger brains due to the size of their cranium compared to Native and African Americans and that became “proof” that white people were more intelligent). It seems that racism has been present across history, and as much as I want to believe that our world is improving in this regard, when I read articles like this one, I am not so sure. 

This story relates to anthropology as the roles, rights and positions of women in society is a subject that has been studied cross culturally by anthropologists. 

I learned from this news story that there are still so many seemingly progressive countries in the world that consist of governments opposed to women having freedom over their own bodies.

This article is related to cultural anthropology as it relates to human behavior, in this case that of seeking therapy and how the material world is affected by technology. Psychologists also do similar work as psychological anthropologists as they both seek to understand how our minds and personalities interact. 

I noticed my heart racing while I read this news story as I have sought the advice of therapists at different times in my life and I would feel so violated if my personal struggles were in the hands of criminals looking to extort me. I don’t know how interesting my story would be to the public as I am not a person “of interest” publicly, but the breach alone would cause a great distrust in the organization where I sought guidance and in the therapist with whom I shared personal details. I learned that our information is valuable and can be used in frightening ways against us. In the event I see a psychologist again I will be certain to request nothing about our session is recorded in an online database. Reading the story reminded me of a quote I read once, “the combination of hatred and technology is the greatest danger threatening mankind” - Holocaust survivor, Simon Wiesenthal.

I chose this article as it relates to the current political election happening south of our own border. As Canadians, the verdict of an American election impacts us especially during this distinct time of Covid. Many voters are concerned with election fraud and regardless of who wins there will likely be accusations of one party tampering with ballots which seems to also be the belief of tens of thousands of citizens in Belarus who have been protesting for the last 12 weeks. There is evidence of mass distrust among the citizens of Belarus of their current government and the parallels between what is happening in Europe and here in North America is striking. It leads me to believe in a potentially new pattern of thinking among human beings across the globe and cross-culturally; a lack of trust for the people in power. Anthropologically this is interesting as it expresses changes in human behavior toward politics and their state.

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This article is so interesting and linked to anthropology as the pigeon message is quite literally a ‘blast from the past’. This kind of rare finding paints part of a picture that illustrates a major historical event (World War I) and it is in these types of findings where we are able to piece together parts of history. 

In reading this article I learned that so much of our history might still be out there floating around in capsules (or the like) waiting to be discovered, and what a magical thought.

Word Count- 118