The Optimistic Anthropologist Vol. 9

Everything You Feel Can Be Fuel, Proven Methodologies in New Contexts, 21 Great Job, Consulting, and Fellowship Opportunities!

June 21, 2018

 June 2018, Volume 9View this email in your browser

Dear ,

I had planned to use this month’s letter to share my appreciation for Anthony Bourdain, because I believe he was a great anthropologist without ever studying the discipline or calling himself one.  I love the way he shared and questioned his own assumptions about people and culture and places by taking the time to experience them firsthand, practicing seemingly unwavering curiosity, and reflecting on how food reveals so much about what unites, differentiates, and shapes people, communities, and their histories. And I was going to note that there is much we can all learn from Bourdain, because his approach led people and communities that were often overlooked or marginalized or actively oppressed not to feel “othered” or exploited but to welcome him, and trust him with their stories. I believe in the power and possibility of Bourdain's approach, so it has been particularly brutal to see the exact opposite of it -- xenophobia and othering playing out in my country yet again.  The cruelty of the U.S.’s “family separation policy”  and how supposed "leaders" have talked about it has felt sociopathic and in such marked contrast to Bourdain's practice of empathy and curiosity, that I feel compelled to acknowledge it.I often share my belief that the work of addressing the world's seemingly most intractable problems, the work of shaping a more positive future needs to be built on a foundation of rigorous process, curiosity, and joy.  And that without curiosity and joy, people get burnt out and run down.  This week I feel burnt out and run down. So, I sought out a bit of inspiration on Twitter, and amidst all the political tweets, I found some. Andrew W.K. reminded me that “Staying positive doesn't mean you don't feel sad or scared sometimes, it just means you keep on going anyway.” Lin Manuel-Miranda offered that “Everything you feel can be fuel. Heartbreak. Awe. Outrage. Wonder. Fear. Love. Anger. You can let it power the rocketship or blow up the rocketship. But YOU’RE the rocketship. And we need you tomorrow as much as today. Rest and refuel.” I’m sharing these sentiments in case others out there are feeling a bit burnt out or run down by the world in general, and/or something in particular or more personal.  And I'll leave you with one more which a friend and collaborator wrote to me: there will be other wonderful things. Be well and do good,AlisonP.S. From July 15-August 13, I'll be working from Berlin. If you know any locals I should meet, or you'll be coming through the city during that time, let me know!

New on the Blog

Applying “tried and true” methodologies to new contexts can lead to positive outcomes for organizations and collaborations that do it thoughtfully.  In

we share some thoughts on why, and reflect on a recent project doing this work with a wonderful client.

Each Monday, we share a new photo and a bit of positivity. 

Missed our recent webinar? Here's a second chance to check it out!

Job, Consulting, and Fellowship Opportunities!

We love connecting people to each other, to useful resources, and to great opportunities. Thanks to everyone in our network who has supported this idea by submitting job, consulting, and fellowship opportunities - we're excited to share 21 this month!  Make sure to view the latest opportunities, and submit your own for the July edition of The Optimistic Anthropologist!

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