
Originally Posted by
cmacq
Zeibek
"Flamingcookbook already mentioned the disregard towards contemporary chronicles which is often exhibited in archaelogists (my aunt is married to one so I'm not riding on mere stereotypes) which puts me off, but similarly I've got this image of all classical historians as philhellenes with deep disregard towards other cultures (this image was has been created by my current history teacher who has apparently studied at Oxford). Besides history my other interests are the study of myth, linguistics and general anthropology."
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A few random words.
Personally, with an accurate translation and the proper frame of reference, I’ve often found Classical textual information profoundly useful. However, I’ve noticed that in the last 25 years, with the passing of the old guard, many of the tenets associated with American Archaeology, have become a mantra of the various regional expressions of European Archaeology. As if this were something new and improved; its really not, since this movement commenced in the 60s. This an attempt to counter the nationalistically inspired abuses of the past, justifiable for these transgressions were many and of great consequence. Still, due to the temperament and pharmaceutical predilections of its practitioners the pendulum swung too far, too fact, more the pity.
Actually, the so-called stereotype is the norm for American Archaeology, and of course I find myself, the exception that proves this rule. I will not tire anyone with a long drawn out discription of the modern Ameri Archaeologist stereotype, except; Alcoholic, drugged out, pogish, hippie wantabe, culturally self-loathing, boorishly self-absorbed, pathetically parasitic, ill-prepared, ill-equipped, knavishly uninformed, brain-washed, dogmatically self-righteous, inconsiderate, and hello; a shame artist expecting an easy yet meaningless government job with a long lazy retirement. You see, I'm not one to judge.
In general, American Archaeology is driven by Southwestern Archaeology, as this is the largest and most influential community, thereof. That is, influential as far as application and methodology is concerned. It’s very possible that the American Southwestern Archaeological community is the largest in the world. Over the years I’ve been privileged to work with many gifted individuals; however they are indeed exceptions to the rule, as well. It’s enough to say I have great distain for the typical American Southwestern Archaeologist, and many others of their ilk that proved to be sojourners in a foreign land. Besides everything else, one of the most prominent reasons for my attitude, is the wholesale rejection of a comprehensive approach to the discipline’s application.
I have often said, to the consternation of many, ‘as oversight, History is the great enemy of the Southwestern Archaeologist, and if they could ever find it, they would certainly kill it.’ Luckily, they wouldn't recognize history, even if it bit them on their arss, and in fact if it did they might not notice it at all. Its a very sad truth, that was not always so, yet apparently with little intrinsic inspiration, Euro Arch seems to have mindlessly aped Ameri Arch and is now on its way to a dark and dismal dead end. I may add, a place we here are just beginning to return from. Also to the great dismay of many in the community, I say, ‘In itself, Archaeology has no meaning, other than to progress the historic narrative.’ And…
these are just a few small reasons why I am both, hated and feared by the run of the mill Stereotypical. Of course there are other reasons, but none of these have anything to do with, a self imposed tunnel vision.
CmacQ
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