...your Mom is a cultural construct

a place for anthropological rants, reason, and rapture.

Anthropology is a curious beast. It is essentially the study of people from biological, cultural, linguistic, and archaeological perspectives. Since humanity is incredibly diverse, the field of anthropology is as well. My particular passion is medical anthropology. My research interests include: design, consumerism, disability, reproductive health, medical pluralism, sexuality, and stigma.

I write this blog for two main reasons. One, it helps me figure out my own ideas. I don't pretend to be an expert on everything I discuss here, just trying to promote a little tolerance and understanding from the anthro perspective. And two, I firmly believe that social scientists are obligated to share their research. The findings are important and should be designed for public consumption.

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Notes

argonautsofanthropology:

A visual anthropology of the divorce debate in Malta.

I promise I’ll try not to involve too much politics on this blog unless it involves the violation of the rights of locals, however in this case, it’s running pretty close.

In this case, it is the denial of civil rights that have been granted the world over but yet remain a far away prospect in Malta.

There are only three states in the world who deny their citizens the right to divorce; there are the Philippines, the Vatican City and Malta.

Here, in Malta, a referendum will be held amongst the people that should decide whether irreparably damaged marriages can be dissolved in divorce and all those involved given a second chance.

The division between State and Church has never existed in Malta and the Church is doing its best to frighten its followers. (There are dissident priests who disagree with their scaremongering tactics)

It has gotten to the point that in Religion exams (religion i.e. Catholicism is taught even in state schools here) students are asked to give their opinion on divorce and marks are decreased if they speak in favour.

It has gotten to the point that those who vote in favour will commit a sin, go to hell or should leave the Church.

Arguments against divorce include one such as ‘Divorce shouldn’t be introduced because wife beaters will get another chance’; in other words, ‘for better or for worse’ includes a good beating in the mix.

How can one not feel sorry for the Maltese who will be denied their second chance because of rabid Christian fundamentalism?

I cannot, as an anthropologist, who can see and has seen suffering caused by broken marriages in all its fine grained details that etch themselves onto an individuals face let ideological selfishness argue in favour of the ‘common good’ over many people’s suffering.

This series of pictures of billboards is not intended as a value neutral scientific endeavor. Yes I am biased and here is the visual proof that the Bible Belt made its way to a European country part of the European Union.

-Translation: Divorce is a big leap into the darkness. Vote No.

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