54. What Does Anthropology Sound Like: Activism

Anthropology as Activism: Mapping Indigenous Landscapes

Dr. Sophie Chow, a postdoctoral research associate, shares her work with West Papuans to resist the encroachment of the palm oil industry. Using mapping as a method, Dr. Chow explores how indigenous communities understand and protect their landscape against profit-driven exploitation. Through mapping, she highlights the intricate relationships between the environment, species, stories, and emotions. Dr. Chow's text showcases the diverse array of acoustics that enliven the landscapes and the dissonances caused by destruction, ultimately raising awareness about the impacts of human domination over space.

Activism in the Face of Police Violence: Black Lives Matter

Bianca Williams, an associate professor of anthropology, discusses her activism with Black Lives Matter (BLM). She recounts the BLM 5280 chapter's efforts to reclaim Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream during an MLK Day parade, using the platform to protest police violence and demand justice. Williams emphasizes the intersectionality of the issues faced by Black communities, including police brutality, housing inequality, and increased police militarization. Through their actions and speeches, BLM aimed to galvanize the community, raise awareness, and advocate for change in Denver.

Utilizing Anger as a Tool for Activism

Dr. Williams reflects on the power of anger as an essential element in effecting societal transformation. Drawing inspiration from Audrey Lorde's essay, 'The Uses of Anger,' Williams explores the role of anger in her teaching, activism, and research. She argues that anger, when channeled and action, is not wasteful but can be a source of energy and knowledge for making change. Williams believes that anthropologists can use voice, sound, and narrative to hold institutions accountable, create collaborative narratives, and challenge power dynamics.

Anthropology as Activism: Striving for a More Equitable World

Drawing on the legacy of Black feminist anthropologists, Williams affirms that anthropology can and should be an activist discipline. She highlights the importance of resistance, protest, and rebellion within anthropology, acknowledging the potential for colonization and oppression within the field. Williams calls for a continued push towards a more just and equitable discipline, engaging in critical observation, participation, and truth-telling. She credits the work of various anthropologists who challenge power dynamics, interrogate institutions, and use their tools and training to create an anthropology that saves lives, preserves souls, and amplifies voices.

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54. What Does Anthropology Sound Like: Activism

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Anthropology as Activism: Mapping Indigenous Landscapes

Activism in the Face of Police Violence: Black Lives Matter

Utilizing Anger as a Tool for Activism

Anthropology as Activism: Striving for a More Equitable World

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