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Comment on Ecological Anthropology (in which I try to explain what I do.) by Jeremy Trombley

Jeremy Trombley — Thu, 31 May 2012 22:05:45 +0000

Makes sense… I’ve been thinking lately about a revitalization of the term “ecological anthropology” drawing from recent philosophical treatments of ecology – i.e. Tim Morton’s Ecology w/o Nature, Stengers’s Ecology of Practices, etc. For now I tend to stick with “environmental anthropology” as a descriptor for my work because of the historical associations, but I’m hoping to change that.

Comment on Ecological Anthropology (in which I try to explain what I do.) by d0g3n

d0g3n — Thu, 31 May 2012 18:50:43 +0000

I go back and forth on “ecological” vs. “environmental.” In practice I tend to use both. For those not in the field, historically ecological anthropology invokes measuring calorie intakes, looking at humans as the movers of seed, measuring ecosystemic effects of agriculture systems, and so on–which isn’t precisely what I do. I think because my background is in plant ecology, I like the ecology title more than the name “environmental.” Thinking about it now, I realize that I probably switch between the two depending on the audience: ecological when working with conservationists, environmental when talking to self-described environmentalists. Since most of my work is with conservationists, I use ecological more because that term resonates with them.

Comment on Ecological Anthropology (in which I try to explain what I do.) by Jeremy Trombley

Jeremy Trombley — Thu, 31 May 2012 18:20:19 +0000

Interesting work. I know some folks who work with WWF too – one of my professors here at UMD, Janet Chernella, has done some work with them in the Amazon.
Just out of curiosity, why do you call this “ecological anthropology” as opposed to (the now more common term) “environmental anthropology”? I’m asking because I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be “ecological” as opposed to “environmental.”
As an aside, I’ve been following your blog for a while now and like it very much. You should post more often.

Comment on Ecological Anthropology (in which I try to explain what I do.) by Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 31 May 2012 05:25:12 +0000

You got anthropology, WWF, and “wrastling” in together seamlessly. Epic.

Really nice to read this, Ted. Empty on.

Comment on We are not the 99%… by Michael

Michael — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:16:44 +0000

Nicely done! How difficult it is to understand a movement without labeling them, and how much the lack of a clear definition encourages such labeling, so they can be dismissed or embraced — something endemic in our political system as well. Of course there’s this:

http://i.imgur.com/wDOu1.png

But for another civilized take on the whole thing, I’d recommend this:

http://occupywriters.com/by-lemony-snicket

Glad to see you back on the blog . . . I prefer them to Facebook, and hope they’ll make a resurgence.

Comment on Copenhagen Presentations by Michael

Michael — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:12:30 +0000

My only suggestion would be: attempt to demystify the debate to some degree. Make it more contextual. The example I see often that makes me hold this thought involves the “Climate-gate” email scandal (a name I find odious). While some see that exchange as damning evidence of manipulation of research data & attempts to squelch differing opinions, all I see is a debate amongst scientists & research authors who having wildly opposing social skills.

Comment on On religious tolerance and anti-violence by Michael

Michael — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:32:29 +0000

Well played, sir!

Comment on Healthcare in the US: solved! by Michael

Michael — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:27:57 +0000

Good summary of your viewpoints. I don’t have any solutions to offer, but I agree that what we have now is far from ideal.

Comment on Healthcare in the US: solved! by Health Care «

Health Care « — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:27:08 +0000

[...] nationalization of health care in the United States is a hot topic of late. Ted has written a bit on his blog to make his opinions known, and has done a good job of it. My thoughts don’t extend to [...]

Comment on mmmmm… cookies. by Claire

Claire — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:56:20 +0000

mmmm, butter cookies…

Actually I have pictured some homemade butter to go with my homemade blackberry jelly. On a frozen store bought biscuit of course. I have my limits.