Reflection
In this assignment, I discussed systems of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), and how these systems are usually refuted by Western Science for being “unscientific.” Additionally, I wrote about the 4 modes of subsistence and how they relate to status and wealth differences. This assignment best demonstrates Global Awareness skills. Understanding the different motivations for difficult cultural decisions/rules that are set in place because of TEK, is essential to the study of Anthropology. I’m most proud of how I’ve grown to observe and understand different cultural motivations while putting aside my own biases and norms. This assignment really pushed me to fully think about the implications and reasons for decisions in different cultures/environments. The hardest part about this assignment was probably defining what Traditional Ecological Knowledge is, especially because it’s so broad and subjective. If I could start over, I would probably work on the assignment earlier as I didn’t expect it to take as long as it did. I really cut it close with the deadline because I was struggling to define TEK. This class somewhat relates to the Psychology class I took sophomore year, as the existence of culture was discussed at times. The Anthropological approach of cultural relativism (essentially open-mindedness) is a life skill that everyone could use. Patience and kindness are borne from understanding.
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