Is Art the Limit of Embracing the Uncomfortable?

In today's polarising political climate, exacerbated by preferences for quick answers, it is becoming harder to appreciate the messiness of life. Except when we go to art galleries or find ourselves on a therapist's couch. Why can't we appreciate our discomfort anywhere else? There are few human conditions that people fear or misunderstand more than … Continue reading Is Art the Limit of Embracing the Uncomfortable?

Getting Iran right: The myopia of Trump’s Muslim visa ban

Author: Simon Theobald Most of us will have seen over the past few days images of refugees, green card holders, and travellers, arriving in US airports only to be told that they have been denied entry on the basis of President Trump’s executive order banning entry to citizens of Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia … Continue reading Getting Iran right: The myopia of Trump’s Muslim visa ban

Experiencing Multiculturalism: When is Diversity, Diverse?

Growing up in middle class Australia, concepts of tolerance, respect, and the abstract celebration of diversity were part and parcel of my family’s commitment to multiculturalism as a social principle.  People were different – and that was A Good Thing. After all, if we were all the same it would be well, pretty boring. In … Continue reading Experiencing Multiculturalism: When is Diversity, Diverse?

Me & Anthropology at the Dawn of Trump

I deluded myself into thinking that Barack Obama had, at the least, embodied an inclusive and affable leadership style. I did not question whether his gregariousness would appeal to everyone. Nor did I realise how many he left behind trying to peddle democratic values in a corrupt system. I am also guilty of romanticising the … Continue reading Me & Anthropology at the Dawn of Trump

Anthropology at the dawn of Trump: some introspection from Canberra

Author: Julia Brown I deluded myself into thinking that Barack Obama had, at the least, embodied an inclusive and affable leadership style. I did not question whether his gregariousness would appeal to everyone, nor did I realise how many he left behind trying to peddle democratic values in a corrupt system. I am also guilty … Continue reading Anthropology at the dawn of Trump: some introspection from Canberra