For those that study/have studied anthropology?

Question

There's this facebook group called anthropology warped my mind. It seems to be kind of true. Studying anthropology has made me start to analyze EVERYTHING and my entire perception of the world around me has changed in a way that hard explain to those that don't study anthropology. Has this been your experience?

Answer 1

In the way they mean it in the group, it kind of does.  I can't help but observe little things about the people and culture around me, and I've been out of school for 11 years now.  I also emphasized archeology.  Now that I am a stay-at-home-parent and gardener, I still find myself making square cuts or making the dirt all level.  My kids laughed when I excavated/shoveled out our fire pit a couple of weeks ago.  :)

Outside of that though, it doesn't do it more than any other field of study would.  My spouse is in technical theater, and you can tell when you walk in the house.  Other than that, I agree with the other answerer.  When you gain more knowledge about the world, it opens your mind.  You then see it differently, but it just means that one of the filters came off of the proverbial lenses.

Answer 2

Yes. Oh yes. I analyze things so much more now. If someone makes a comment about any kind of culture (ethinic or sub) it's like someone clicks a swith and I'm in Anthro mode, thinking of theories or asking questions.

And 'ethnocentric' has become my biggest pet peeve. Seriously, I get so mad.

Answer 3

Yeah that's so true. I took a class on Gifting in East Asian Cultures, and we did so much analysis of the "Gift" and what it means that I can never look at it the same. Everytime I get a present, or give someone a card, or attend a party, I always think of the complicated nature of gifting/reciprocity.

Answer 4

To a point-yes. That is the point of education after all.