Jul 15, 2010 0
Narayan Ghiotti and I met with Gualberto Cazanova in Noh-Bec, Quintana Roo to talk about the next phase of the “pixan” project. Narayan will be working with Gualberto in the field (literally) and it will be an opportunity for learning and exchange. I’m very pleased with this connection and happy to see this greeted with so much enthusiasm.
Feb 17, 2009 0
belonging M-E-X
In Geertz’s essay, “Thick Description: Toward an Interpretive Theory of Culture”, (Geertz 1973:3-30) he explains that he adopted the term from philosopher Gilbert Ryle. Ryle pointed out that if someone winks at us without a context, we don’t know what it means. It might mean the person is attracted to us, that they are trying to communicate secretly, that they understand what you mean, or anything. As the context changes, the meaning of the wink changes.
Geertz argues that all human behaviour is like this. He therefore distinguishes between a thin description, which (to extend our example) describes only the wink itself, and a thick description, which explains the context of the practices and discourse within a society. According to Geertz, the task of the anthropologist is to give thick descriptions. source: Wikipedia
Friday afternoon, on the beach in Playa del Carmen
Friday afternoon, on the beach in Playa del Carmen (2)
Feb 7, 2009 1
Arrived in Cancún yesterday afternoon. It was a good trip – smooth, uneventful in terms of travel, and very pleasant. I attribute much of this to such a good group of people.
