People still don't get it.

The ridiculousness that came out of Florida governor Rick Scott's mouth this week have really got my knickers in a twist. I realize his idiotic assumption that the only things worth learning are things that bring in money is merely a symptom of our cash-worshipping culture, but we should expect more from the people elected to public office. Is expecting elected officials to be not ignorant or completely uninformed too much to ask? As unacceptable as his ignorance is, it is reflective of the public misconceptions of what anthropology is and what it is that we all do.  We really need some better PR. And the students at South Florida University have done started the ball rolling. Kudos to the students at SFU for responding to Scott with a visually engaging interactive photo show.

A very brief introduction to anthropology

So what the hell is anthropology, anyway? It is the comprehensive study of humans. It's better than other disciplines that study humans because it isn't narrowly focused on just biology or behavior or putting people in neat little boxes. And yes, I'm completely biased about that. Deal with it.

When people ask what I do and I say that I'm an anthropologist, the typical response is, "Oh, that's cool!  . . .  What is that again? Is that like rocks or dinosaurs or something?" Although this has greatly contributed to my bruxism, I just smile sweetly and tell them that no, I study people. Usually dead ones.

Speaking of things I do and don't do: I don't have a fully realized vision of this blog yet, but my plan at present is that it will be a place for me to discuss and rant about all things anthropological. All comments, ideas, praise, and general bitching are welcome.