Thinking Like an Anthropologist is by far my most favorite introductory reading material to any subject, transcending the boundaries of typical academic reading. It is not merely a solid introduction to the field anthropology, but holds wide appeal for readers from all backgrounds. Anthropology grapples with the irreducibly complex relationships between people, their histories, their experiences and structures of power relative to – like it or not – something called ‘culture’, whatever that means. However, the book provided a clear definition of "culture". In additional to that, realizing the changing nature of the subject, the book emphasized more on ideology instead of rigid opinions. It unravels the essence and the core of anthropology through analyzing it from nine different topics (Culture, Civilization, Values, Value, Blood, Identity, Authority, Reason, and Nature). These facets offer a comprehensive exploration of anthropology's core, making it accessible and engaging for those new to the subject.
What sets this book apart is its ability to convey the ideology of anthropologists in a thought-provoking manner. One standout sentence that resonated with me is, "It is not, of course, that anthropology just 'seeks to explain'." The author consecutively stated that "What gives anthropology its distinctive character is the extent to which those explanations are dependent upon local knowledge". This point resonated with me as I also believe that the brilliancy of anthropology is how it is inherently about its subjects—people, just as its name implies. All subjects provide different perspectives of how the world works, but anthropology is special as it sheds light on people, the main component of the society.
The author masterfully navigates complex topics using relatable examples and insightful case studies. Unlike many nonfiction books that obscure their message with convoluted language, "Thinking Like an Anthropologist" is refreshingly accessible. The author used his own experiences to illustrate the relationship between anthropology and the nine keywords. For example, in the section revolving around "Culture", he not only made crucial points like culture is acquired not innate, but also used his own experience to show anthropology is a subject that accepts cultural diversity. During his fieldwork in Zimbabwe, he encountered a local resident named Phillip. Phillip mentioned "cricket," which the author initially interpreted as the sport. However, to his surprise, Phillip presented an actual cricket—not the game, but the insect—as a food item. Though the author was first stunned by the plate, in that moment, the author not only expanded his understanding of culture but also uncovered a profound truth: food is a cultural construct. This simple yet powerful experience illustrates the essence of anthropology—accepting and appreciating the diverse ways in which different cultures perceive and interact with the world. it also conveys the connection between culture and anthropology, cultures are acquired, diverse, and deserve to be respected.
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