Each of us has our own notions of what “race” is and what it tells us about ourselves and others. Our roots as humans are tangled, and our complex histories and social constructs make race impossibly difficult to define. This blog explores the factors that make race such a fractious concept and points us toward new ways of understanding its meaning in our lives.
“Animalia” explores humanity’s place in nature. Homo sapiens faces the same challenge as any other species—a perpetual struggle for survival involving disease, overpopulation, competition for resources, and a necessity to adapt biologically and behaviorally to a changing environment. This blog examines how our interactions with other organisms and with the environment have shaped our past, and how they may influence our future and the future of the planet.
The world is, tragically, replete with conflict and violence. It is also full of claims so frequently repeated that we fail to adequately question them—that humans are inherently warlike, for instance, or that developing countries are more prone to war. “Conflicted” explores the many facets of human conflict, drawing insights from the frontlines of anthropological research.
Human beings often infuse objects with deep, substantial meaning. In each post, “Curiosities” explores the nature, importance, use, and changing interpretation of artifacts people have created. The investigation of these curiosities—often tied to current events and holidays—will inspire us to think more deeply about our humanity and the significance of the countless things that surround us.
As our ancestors looked up at the night sky, they wondered about their place in the universe. Today, half a century after humans first walked on the moon, we continue to look to the stars as we imagine possible futures here on Earth, on other planets, and beyond. “Wanderers” explores anthropological insights from our encounters with outer space as we study the origins of life in the universe, search for extraterrestrial intelligence, prepare to send humans to Mars, and imagine travelling to distant stars.