MarxMadness

joined 3 years ago

What are some anthropological concepts against (or supporting) the "human nature" argument reactionaries use against anything remotely collectivist? in c/[email protected]

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 years ago (1 children)

Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones.

But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.

A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts, Mead said.”

https://stacyhackner.wordpress.com/2020/04/21/that-margaret-mead-quote/

[Not the Onion] Richard Dawkins rants about Kafka's Metamorphosis. He calls it "bad SF". in c/[email protected]

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 years ago (1 children)

"This classic text actually sucks" is probably the lowest form of literary criticism, especially when it doesn't engage with any of the discussion surrounding the book.

That said, some classic texts aren't all they're worked up to be.