Anthropology, Reaction Paper Example

The different settings in which these readings are originate dissolve in the intricacy of the message contained in them. All the readings portray a scenario where a stranger is involved in a struggle to fit in a lifestyle that he has minimal knowledge of. As a result, their initial attempt to gain access and acceptance are met with resistance based on social and cultural differences.

Sterk’s(2000) writings portray the complex life of prostitutes in the American setting. The numerous challenges they experience are well articulated in the excerpt. Having gained access into the inner circle of the prostitution rings in several cities, she objectively identified and experienced firsthand the challenges to which the women are exposed. As a result, in addition to completing her research, her struggles included remaining relevant during her study.

Bohannan (1966) on the other hand finds himself trapped in a story-telling spree in the company of African tribesmen. The message in the story brings out the sharp differences in the perceived similarities in the African and European settings. As a result, of language barrier, the socio-economic and cultural barriers become more accentuated to the point of total opposition of the authenticity of the tale. Frequent interruptions mark the once anticipated story telling session, with Bohannan (1966) succeeding in confusing his listeners more than he convinced them.

At the Kalahari setting, Lee (1969) was poised to mark the end of his visit to the land of the Bushmen by offering the largest bull for the Christmas festivities. However, his efforts were met with discouraging comments about the appropriateness of the designated bull. Despite his effort to procure a monstrous bull, the villagers were of the view that merry-making was going to turn sour since satisfaction would be far from reach. In spite of all the cajoling and sneering, the feast was successful and he found out that the comments were the customary way of responding to the efforts of peers.

All the readings are hinged on the notion that cultural and social differences are a major factor in the process of relating with people. By emphasizing the influence of customs in the actions of individuals, the excerpts introduce the importance of appreciating the culture of a target population. Similarly, the three tales highlight patience. Some of the cultural differences can only be learnt through experience. Despite long periods of exposure to the populations, the writers had never been exposed to the described situations. However, in the end, success was achieved through patience and persistence.

Sterk (2000) required acceptance before any success could be achieved. As a result, she sought to gain the trust of the women before carry out her mission. The outline of the story is hinged on the initial success achieved. However, Lee and Bohannan (1966) only managed to achieve harmony in the terminal stages of their escapades. The immense opposition experienced turned into pleasant eventualities.

Lee (1966) and Sterk (2000) base their story on personal experiences while Bohannan’s tale relates to a story based on past happenings. Thus, the Bohannan (1969) experienced is not the character in his story. Lee in his escapades experienced a brush with the culture of the Bushmen while Sterk (2000) recounts the days in the streets with prostitutes.

Works Cited

Bohannan, Laura. Shakespeare in the Bush. August-September 1966. Natural History.  4 February 2010. http://law.ubalt.edu/downloads/law_downloads/IRC_Shakespeare_in_the_Bush1.pdf

Lee Borshay R. Eating Christmas in the Kalahari. Natural History. December 1969. American Museum of Natural History. 4 February 2010. <http://windward.hawaii.edu/facstaff/dagrossa-p/articles/EatingChristmas.pdf>

Sterk, Claire E. Tricking and Tripping Fieldwork on Prostitution in the Era of AIDS. 2000. Social Change Press. 4 February 2010.           <http://homepage.mac.com/johnpell/ANTH001/tricking and tripping.html>