"Really being somewhere means to be committed to a place rather than simply an observer."
- Philip Sheldrake (Spaces for the Sacred: place, memory, and identity)
So how does one adapt or truly commit to a foreign social landscape while embodying and carrying their separate identities and sense of place with them? I wonder.
During my capstone research I got to know Anna Tsing's theories on Friction and intercultural encounters like the back of my hand. She believes that the word 'landscape' itself inherently implies human influence rather than "pure habitat." Likewise Sheldrake believes that there can be "no sense of 'place' without narrative." He also states believes that the "primacy of perception is ultimately a primacy of the lived body-- a body that... is a creature of habitual cultural and social processes." That is to say, in short simplified terms, our perceptions of 'other' places are perceived through the lens of our personal narratives, familiar places, ect. You get the point. (Hopefully. If not, I recommend looking into Sheldrake on sacred spaces.)
Anyway, my personal theory runs parallel to Sheldrake. I believe (perhaps counterintuitively) that, truly 'being' somewhere does not mean you "make a mark" or impact the place in passing. We can impact a place or location by leaving a mark on a wall, gate, community for the rest of time. All it does is prove we were there physically. I envision "being" somewhere in a much more sentimental way. I believe a place becomes relevant when you transcend 'place' and encounter the 'space.' I think one can only experience a transcendence of physical location to this anthropological 'space' when the place transforms or impacts you. When you become impacted by your surroundings it grants you the metaphysical lens you need to finally examine your surroundings as a 'space' rather than just a physical location or 'place.' Do I make sense at all?
I miiiight be bias but I also believe that the methodology of anthropological studies (if you employ ethical methods) requires you to practice this transcendence of geographical location. Anthropology calls for a non-biased participation in a place/community and although some intention (framework) is required, a lot of ethnographic study depends on spontaneity and immersion into the local narrative landscape. Effect, experience, discovery.
During my capstone research I got to know Anna Tsing's theories on Friction and intercultural encounters like the back of my hand. She believes that the word 'landscape' itself inherently implies human influence rather than "pure habitat." Likewise Sheldrake believes that there can be "no sense of 'place' without narrative." He also states believes that the "primacy of perception is ultimately a primacy of the lived body-- a body that... is a creature of habitual cultural and social processes." That is to say, in short simplified terms, our perceptions of 'other' places are perceived through the lens of our personal narratives, familiar places, ect. You get the point. (Hopefully. If not, I recommend looking into Sheldrake on sacred spaces.)
Anyway, my personal theory runs parallel to Sheldrake. I believe (perhaps counterintuitively) that, truly 'being' somewhere does not mean you "make a mark" or impact the place in passing. We can impact a place or location by leaving a mark on a wall, gate, community for the rest of time. All it does is prove we were there physically. I envision "being" somewhere in a much more sentimental way. I believe a place becomes relevant when you transcend 'place' and encounter the 'space.' I think one can only experience a transcendence of physical location to this anthropological 'space' when the place transforms or impacts you. When you become impacted by your surroundings it grants you the metaphysical lens you need to finally examine your surroundings as a 'space' rather than just a physical location or 'place.' Do I make sense at all?
I miiiight be bias but I also believe that the methodology of anthropological studies (if you employ ethical methods) requires you to practice this transcendence of geographical location. Anthropology calls for a non-biased participation in a place/community and although some intention (framework) is required, a lot of ethnographic study depends on spontaneity and immersion into the local narrative landscape. Effect, experience, discovery.
Some Pictures of Cartagena:
Warm Regards Everyone!
Anika
I so get that concept. Tourist just skim the service when visiting a country. There is so much underneath.
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