Introduction

Recounting my experience with the Digging Deeper Project, where we—spoiler alert—were not actually digging up bones like Indiana Jones. Instead, we were exploring the anthropological lens. You know what they say: the more we understand about the people around us, the more connected we feel…unless, of course, you’re still stuck in the “What is anthropology?” phase like I was.

Digging Deeper: Anthropology and BCFP

Presenting the Discussion Question

So, what burning question did I tackle, you ask? I asked myself: “How might we use an anthropological perspective to better understand the history of British Columbia?”

My answer? Well, it’s a bit more complicated than a straightforward “Duh, just look at the people!” but it boils down to this: the more we know about the folks around us, the more connected we feel. Plus, the history of our home is like an onion—there are layers.  Also, we learned there’s more to our place than meets the eye, and some serious protocols are necessary when we research different cultures.

Beginning: The Starting Point

When I first embarked on this project, I imagined I was channeling my inner Indiana Jones—dust, bones, maybe even a dramatic escape from a collapsing temple. I mean, who wouldn’t want to dig up ancient artifacts and uncover the secrets of the past? 

So there I was, standing at the threshold of a new world called anthropology, a term that I had never heard before. My initial understanding was a big, fat zero. Fast forward a few weeks, and I learned that anthropology is not about unearthed treasures or displaying cultures in a human zoo (seriously, who thought that was a good idea?). Instead, it’s the study of people and cultures, aimed at ensuring that all societies preserve and share their legacies.

Kickstarting the Project: Research and Activities

I rolled up my sleeves and took on some activities that got the gears in my brain turning:

1. 1. 1. Watched a Video on Anthropology: This helped me grasp the basics.
      2. Small Group Discussion on the Branches of Anthropology: Turns out, there are lots of ways to study people—it’s not just one big happy family!
      3. Rules and Protocols in My Own Life: Took a good, hard look at my own life and what rules I follow (sorry parents, I know I sometimes bend those).
      4. Research Protocols: I learned that understanding who tells the story is crucial. It’s like selecting the right narrator for a Netflix series—you don’t want someone who doesn’t understand the plot!
      5. MOA Collection: I chose a drum. Mostly because i was always curious about the drum my mom had made. Turns out this wasn’t just a random craft project; it was tied to her professional development.
      6. Significance of Anthropology: Why does it matter? It preserves cultural diversity, addresses social changes, promotes reconciliation, and teaches cultural sensitivity. Basically, it’s like the superhero of social studies.
      7. Articles on Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism: Learning about cultural narcissism was eye opening to say the least.

End: Reflection and Future Steps

Who knew that little wooden drum could pack such a punch? I mean, it’s not just an instrument; it’s basically a heartbeat, connecting people across cultures. Talk about rhythm bringing the world together!

But wait, there’s more! I learned that ethnocentrism or  cultural narcissism isn’t just a fancy word for people who can’t stop talking about themselves at parties; it’s an actual concept! Turns out, understanding who’s talking—that is, who’s holding the metaphorical mic—makes a huge difference in whether you should take them seriously or toss their opinion into the nearest black hole. I mean, I love British culture and all things UK (who doesn’t appreciate a good tea party?), but knowing that colonization led to all sorts of misunderstandings around the world was like finding a hair in my favourite dessert. Major disappointment!

If I could hit the reset button and do this project all over again, I’d definitely add more resources.  Next time, I’d gather a diverse articles etc—because, surprise, surprise, my mom’s experience making drums isn’t going to cut it. Sure, she learned from the Katzie band in Port Coquitlam, but her North American white lady vibes can only take me so far.

Looking back, I also wish I would’ve relied on my brainpower more than on AI. No offence to my virtual pal, but using AI to whip up my notes made me miss some crucial details. It’s like trying to learn how to ride a bike by watching videos instead of hopping on and feeling the wind in your hair (and maybe crashing a few times). Lesson learned: next time, I’ll embrace the struggle of learning instead of going for the easy button!

So what’s next on my academic adventure? Well, with grade 12 history just around the corner, I’ll definitely need to think critically about who’s telling the story. Are they the main character, or are they more like the sidekick? I want to dive into the storytellers and who’s story they are telling. After all Indiana Jones was an ethnocentrist himself and not everything ‘belongs in a museum’.