The 'Other' in Anthropology

I have noticed especially in USA that labels and narratives are created by what use to be called the dominate society. 

When I studied Anthropology in the 70s, non-white people were referred to as 'others' and were seen as objects to be studied and labeled.

You're absolutely right. The concept of the "Other" in anthropology has a troubled history, particularly tied to colonial expansion and the idea of Western superiority. Here's a breakdown of how it unfolded:

Colonial Encounters: As European explorers encountered vastly different cultures, the concept of the "Other" emerged to categorize those who weren't European. This "Other" was often seen as primitive, savage, or less evolved.

Early Anthropology: Early anthropologists, often called "armchair anthropologists," relied on travelogues and reports, reinforcing the "Other" as an object of study rather than a person with their own culture and perspective.

Ethnocentrism: These early works were heavily influenced by ethnocentrism, the belief that one's own culture is superior. This skewed how anthropologists interpreted and portrayed other cultures.

Power Dynamics: The power imbalance between colonizers and colonized people meant the "Other" often had little voice in how they were represented.

The 1970s marked a turning point:

Shifting Perspectives: Anthropologists like Franz Boas challenged ethnocentrism and stressed cultural relativism, understanding cultures on their own terms.

Fieldwork Revolution: The rise of participant-observation fieldwork allowed anthropologists to immerse themselves in other cultures, fostering deeper understanding and challenging stereotypes.

Postcolonial Critique: Postcolonial critiques highlighted the power dynamics inherent in the "Other" concept and the ways it justified colonialism.

Today, anthropologists strive to:

Deconstruct Power: Be mindful of power imbalances and ensure the voices of those they study are heard.

Collaborative Research: Work collaboratively with the communities they study, ensuring research benefits them.

Self-Reflection: Critically examine their own biases and how they might influence their work.

The concept of the "Other" remains a complex one in anthropology, but the field has moved towards a more respectful and equitable approach to studying different cultures.