“In anthropology, which historically exists to 'give voice' to others, there is no greater taboo than self-revelation. The impetus of our discipline, with its roots in Western fantasies about barbaric others, has been to focus primarily on 'cultural' rather than 'individual' realities. The irony is that anthropology has always been rooted in an 'I' - understood as having a complex psychology and history - observing a 'we' that, until recently, was viewed as plural, ahistorical, and nonindividuated.”
Quote by Ruth Behar
Work
The Vulnerable Observer: Anthropology That Breaks Your Heart
This book offers a deep and introspective look at the field of anthropology, focusing on the emotional connections and personal experiences that arise from studying different cultures. It examines how anthropology can evoke empathy and understanding, while also highlighting the vulnerability and humanity behind the research. more
Author
Ruth Behar
Ruth Behar is an American anthropologist renowned for her research on Latin America and the Caribbean. Her work focuses on identity, memory, and narrative, particularly on the experiences of women, immigrants, and marginalized groups. more
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“And while there is life there is always the chance that something might happen.”
“Love preserves one moment for ever, the moment of its birth. The beloved never ages.”
“History is an alternating series of frying pans and fires.”
Source: The Gutenberg Elegies: The Fate of Reading in an Electronic Age