{"id":272,"date":"2012-03-28T15:27:57","date_gmt":"2012-03-28T19:27:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/web.colby.edu\/contemporary-issues\/?page_id=272"},"modified":"2012-05-09T15:52:29","modified_gmt":"2012-05-09T19:52:29","slug":"gh-ch-anthropological-analysis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.colby.edu\/contemporary-issues\/gh-ch-anthropological-analysis\/","title":{"rendered":"Anthropological Analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"

To conduct a news analysis on the cholera outbreak in Haiti, we looked at the frequency that news sources reported about the topic. \u00a0 The news sources covered similar themes and used similar language to describe the outbreak in Haiti. \u00a0Most of the news coverage \u00a0focused on the number of cholera cases reported, the fragile state of Haiti, and what aid organizations were doing to help. \u00a0In comparison, Mark Schuller’s anthropological work in Haiti critically analyzed the on-the-ground realities of Haiti during the cholera outbreak and shared the voices of Haitian aid recipients.<\/p>\n

Analyze this chart below to see the differences and similarities between how the news sources and an anthropologist covered the initial outbreak of cholera.<\/p>\n

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The News, Anthropology, and Cholera<\/h2>\n

Anthropology provides a critical lens to evaluate humanitarian aid interventions for global health inequities. \u00a0While the news reported Haiti as being fragile, vulnerable, and unable to rebuild after catastrophe, Schuller analyzed the root causes of these stigmas and explains how the international community contributes greatly to these stereotypes and structural inequalities. \u00a0 Overall, the anthropological perspective enables Haitian voices to be heard to learn the on-the-ground realities. \u00a0 Anthropology is important for aid intervention because it illuminates what truly needs to be done by listening and engaging with the people who are affected most.<\/p>\n

Discussion Questions<\/h2>\n

The questions below can be used to spark discussions on the differences and similarities represented in the news or anthropology sources in regards to the cholera outbreak. \u00a0Quotations from Schuller’s work or points of interest are included to provide an anthropological perspective. \u00a0For each question, please keep in mind the important contribution anthropology lends in understanding the dynamics of global health.<\/p>\n

How has the media stigmatized Haiti’s culture and people?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cDespite this great solidarity, TV cameras insisted on zeroing in on looting or youth fighting over a small bag of water.\u00a0 They systematically overshadowed the positive aspects: the extraordinary and wonderful spirit of inter-Haitian solidarity dominated by generosity, sharing, personal sacrifices, and the mobilization of an economy based on solidarity\u201d (Schuller 2012: 29)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

How has the media’s portrayal of Haiti as a weak and vulnerable state influenced aid intervention measures?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe NGO\u2019s top-down method of aid distribution has made possible all manner of abuse and coercion in the camps, given the wide difference in power between those who distribute aid and those who are meant to passively receive it\u201d (Schuller 2010: 23)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

To what extent is international aid a solution to the cholera epidemic? \u00a0To what extent does international aid contribute to the problem?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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International assistance in its humanitarian form, just as in its development form, will still have an important role to play in supporting the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction. \u00a0To play this role, it must respect Haiti’s sovereignty and its self-determination in establishing a development strategy. \u00a0It should also abandon the traditional, dominant paradigms to adopt paths and innovations for an authentic, fraternal, and solidarity-based cooperation (Schuller 2012: 32)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

What are the strengths and weaknesses of NGO aid interventions versus large humanitarian interventions?<\/strong><\/p>\n