Question

Why do many anthropologists object to using anthropologists in military operations including Human Terrain Teams in Afghanistan

Answer 1

Many anthropologists object to using anthropology in military operations due to reasons such as untrustworthy sources, unethical exploitation, and colonialism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Many anthropologists object to using anthropology in military operations, including Human Terrain Teams in Afghanistan, due to various reasons:

1. Untrustworthy Sources: Some tribal scholars argue that anthropological field notes are biased and may reflect preconceived ideas about tribal peoples. They believe that anthropologists may alter their findings to fit stereotypical notions, making the field notes unreliable for reconstructing cultural practices.
2. Unethical Exploitation: Historically, some anthropologists supplemented their income by buying cultural objects at a low cost from the people they studied and selling them at higher rates to museums. This practice is now seen as unethical and exploitative.
3. Colonialism and Power Dynamics: Anthropology has been criticized for participating in the colonization of Indigenous societies and claiming the right to speak for Indigenous peoples. Books written by earlier anthropologists have been viewed as disempowering Native peoples.