Yanomami: The Fierce Controversy and What We Can Learn from It (Volume 12) (California Series in Public Anthropology)

Yanomami raises questions central to the field of anthropology--questions concerning the practice of fieldwork, the production of knowledge, and anthropology's intellectual and ethical vision of itself. Using the Yanomami controversy--one of anthropology's most famous and explosive imbroglios--as its starting point, this book draws readers into not only reflecting on but refashioning the very heart and soul of the discipline. It is both the most up-to-date and thorough public discussion of the Yanomami controversy available and an innovative and searching assessment of the current state of anthropology. The Yanomami controversy came to public attention through the publication of Patrick Tierney's best-selling book, Darkness in El Dorado, in which he accuses James Neel, a prominent geneticist who belonged to the National Academy of Sciences, as well as Napoleon Chagnon, whose introductory text on the Yanomami is perhaps the best-selling anthropological monograph of all time, of serious human rights violations. This book identifies the ethical dilemmas of the controversy and raises deeper, structural questions about the discipline. A portion of the book is devoted to a unique roundtable in which important scholars on different sides of the issues debate back and forth with each other. This format draws readers into deciding, for themselves, where they stand on the controversy's--and many of anthropology's--central concerns. All of the royalties from this book will be donated to helping the Yanomami improve their healthcare. Publisher Description: Yanomami Raises Questions Central To The Field Of Anthropology--questions Concerning The Practice Of Fieldwork, The Production Of Knowledge, And Anthropology's Intellectual And Ethical Vision Of Itself. Using The Yanomami Controversy--one Of Anthropology's Most Famous And Explosive Imbroglios--as Its Starting Point, This Book Draws Readers Into Not Only Reflecting On But Refashioning The Very Heart And Soul Of The Discipline. It Is Both The Most Up-to-date And Thorough Public Discussion Of The Yanomami Controversy Available And An Innovative And Searching Assessment Of The Current State Of Anthropology. The Yanomami Controversy Came To Public Attention Through The Publication Of Patrick Tierney's Best-selling Book, Darkness In El Dorado, In Which He Accuses James Neel, A Prominent Geneticist Who Belonged To The National Academy Of Sciences, As Well As Napoleon Chagnon, Whose Introductory Text On The Yanomami Is Perhaps The Best-selling Anthropological Monograph Of All Time, Of Serious Human Rights Violations. This Book Identifies The Ethical Dilemmas Of The Controversy And Raises Deeper, Structural Questions About The Discipline. A Portion Of The Book Is Devoted To A Unique Roundtable In Which Important Scholars On Different Sides Of The Issues Debate Back And Forth With Each Other. This Format Draws Readers Into Deciding, For Themselves, Where They Stand On The Controversy's--and Many Of Anthropology's--central Concerns. Part I: The Controversy And The Broader Issues At Stake -- Chagnon And Tierney In Their Own Words -- How The Controversy Has Played Out Within American Anthropology -- Broader Issues At Stake In The Controversy -- Keeping Yanomami Perspectives In Mind -- You Decide -- A Platform For Change -- Photographic Interlude -- Part Ii: Round One -- Round Two -- Round Three -- Three Assessments -- Appendix: Summary Of The Roundtable Participants' Positions. Robert Borofsky ; With Bruce Albert ... [et Al.]. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 343-358) And Index. Contents......Page 10 Acknowledgments......Page 12 A Note to Teachers......Page 14 A Personal Note to Undergraduates......Page 16 Suggested Yanomami/Yanomamö Films......Page 20 Helping the Yanomami......Page 22 Map......Page 23 1 The Controversy and the Broader Issues at Stake......Page 26 2 Chagnon and Tierney in Their Own Words......Page 45 3 How the Controversy Has Played Out in American Anthropology......Page 58 4 Broader Issues at Stake in the Controversy......Page 76 5 Keeping Yanomami Perspectives in Mind......Page 84 6 You Decide......Page 95 7 A Platform for Change......Page 124 8 Round One......Page 154 9 Round Two......Page 202 10 Round Three......Page 255 11 Three Assessments......Page 327 Appendix: Summary of the Roundtable Participants' Positions......Page 362 References......Page 388 Index......Page 404 Yanomami raises questions central to the field of anthropology - questions concerning the practice of fieldwork, the production of knowledge, and anthropology's intellectual and ethical vision of itself. Using the Yanomami controversy - one of anthropology's most famous and explosive imbroglios - as its starting point, this books considers how fieldwork is done, how professional credibility and integrity are maintained, and how the discipline might change to address central theoretical and methodological problems. Both the most up-to-date and thorough public discussion of the Yanomami controve Raises questions central to the field of anthropology - questions concerning the practice of fieldwork, the production of knowledge, and anthropology's intellectual and ethical vision of itself. This book discusses the Yanomami controversy, identifies the ethical dilemmas of the controversy and assesses the state of anthropology. At first glance, the Yanomami controversy might be perceived as being focused on a narrow subject.