Inclusivity is My Trigger Word

in·clu·siv·i·ty/ˌinklo͞oˈsivədē/ The practice or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or mental disabilities and members of minority groups. A paean to exclusivity. In this milquetoast world we now parade limitations not as obstacles to overcome, but rather as badges of honor that everyone elseContinue reading “Inclusivity is My Trigger Word”

Witches, Populism, Aikido

In the 19th century, anthropology’s great achievement was humility. Cultural relativism and structure-functionalism arose as correctives to imperial arrogance; a way to see “the native” not as savage, but as human within a coherent order. Yet in the 21st century, those same theories can feel dangerous. When all practices are deemed culturally valid, cruelty masqueradesContinue reading “Witches, Populism, Aikido”

KATSUJINKEN: The Life Giving Sword

Alan King had a comedy routine in the 1980s based entirely on obituaries – all culminating with the punchline “survived by his wife.” So I was amused to find this obituary: But amusement was soon replaced by other emotions. Outrage at the atrocities of the Bataan Death March (a chronicle of the rescue mission to free theContinue reading “KATSUJINKEN: The Life Giving Sword”