In a thought-provoking episode of This Anthro Life, we engaged with the insightful anthropologist Adrie Kusserow. The discussion traversed the realms of storytelling, the essence of human experiences, and the transformative power of poetry in anthropology. Adrie Kusserow's experiences, from her time in Kathmandu to her work with refugees, underscored the significance of accessible and creative ethnographies. We examined the interplay of language, emotion, and technology, critiquing the Western biomedical model and advocating for the authenticity of personal narratives. The conversation also touched upon the importance of writing well and poetically in anthropology, to engage the public and convey the complexity of human stories effectively. The episode delved into the influence of Western biomedical discourses on mental health perceptions globally, and the need to recognize and respect the diverse cultural narratives of suffering. Adrie's new book, "The Trauma Mantras," written in prose poetry, challenges us to reconsider the impact of language on our connection to the world and the potential for systemic transformation.
Join us and explore the transformative potential of poetry in anthropology with Adrie Kusserow. Discover how language, emotion, and technology intersect to shape our perceptions of mental health and suffering. This conversation will inspire you to question the Western biomedical model and embrace the power of personal narratives.
In this video, you'll learn
Anthropologists are like keen observers of normal people, studying their speech, body language, and culture to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences.
Refugees can be seen as anthropologists themselves, trying to decipher a new culture and understand their place in it.
The power of storytelling is crucial in understanding and explaining suffering, and different cultures have different narratives to explain their experiences.
Western biomedical discourses often dominate cultural understandings of mental health and suffering, but it is important to respect and listen to the authentic stories of individuals.
Poetry can be a powerful tool in anthropology, allowing for a deeper exploration of emotions, senses, and cultural nuances.
Language and grammar shape how we think and perceive the world, and it is important to create space for giddy language and diverse narratives to expand our understanding.
Key Topic of this Podcast
00:00 - Introduction to Adrie Kusserow and the Power of Anthropology
05:00 - Adrienne's Childhood and the Birth of an Anthropologist
10:00 - The Art of Writing and Engaging the Public in Anthropology
31:35 - Confronting Western Narratives of Depression and Individualism
35:00 - The Collective Nature of Suffering and Learning from Refugees
40:00 - Bhutan's Struggle with Western Influence and Youth Depression
44:30 - The Search for Authenticity and the Anthropologist's Role
50:00 - Language, Grammar, and Perception in the Anthropocene
55:00 - The Impact of Digital Communication on Emotional Depth
1:00:00 - The Interplay of Desire and Cultural Exchange in Bhutan
About This Anthro Life
This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. Hosted by Adam Gamwell, we unravel fascinating narratives and connect them to the wider context of our lives. Tune in to https://thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at https://thisanthrolife.substack.com for more captivating episodes and engaging content.
Connect with Adrie Kusserow
Website: https://www.adriekusserow.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kusserow-adrie-8a882ba
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/mreddingtoncfi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adrie.kusserow/
Connect with This Anthro Life:
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life-podcast/
This Anthro Life website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/
Substack blog: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com
