“The goal of anthropology is to make the world safe for human difference.” –Ruth Benedict –
I still remember clearly when I was a student majoring in social anthropology in the city of Medan. At that time, anthropology was still an unpopular major – it was considered that the future of employment was unclear. Of course, I felt something similar when I first started college. "Anthropology is the study of humans and their culture," said one of my seniors while attending the Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB).
That sentence became the final word, every time my friends were asked by the lecturer about what anthropology actually was. But, is it really only that? Until finally I found the answer when I took a religious anthropology course. At that time, we were given an assignment by the lecturer to draw a ghost. Funny and confusing at the same time. How can we draw ghosts when we never see the ghosts themselves? Until the day the assignment was submitted, several of my friends were busy looking at references from the internet, imitating horror films and some chose not to complete the assignment because they believed that ghosts never existed.
After completing the assignment, my lecturer explained how different people believe in the existence of ghosts. There are those who believe that the images displayed on the internet are actual ghost figures. However, there are also those who believe that ghosts never exist. We cannot give values to wrong and right with their beliefs because humans have a culture that shapes their way of thinking about things. This point made me realize that anthropology has a clear attitude in viewing humans and all their differences.
Anthropology does not just study but believes that humans and their culture are identities that will never be replaced. They do not exist by themselves. So no one can provide value to culture. It becomes truly anthropological when those who carry this science create a platform to celebrate the diversity within it.
I quote one of my favorite anthropologists, Ruth Benedict. Famous anthropologist of the 20th century, and played an important role in exploring anthropology's perspective on diversity. In his deep thoughts, he described that anthropology is a study that celebrates human diversity as an irreplaceable wealth. This view makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of culture, society, and humans in a global context.
Benedict put forward the idea that culture is a highly variable social construct, and each society has its own unique system of values, norms and traditions. He sees diversity as the result of various influences, history and geographical environments that influence the formation of culture itself. In other words, no two cultures are completely identical.
One of the most famous concepts proposed by Ruth Benedict is “cultural relativism.” He emphasized that each culture must be understood in its own context, and that no culture is better or worse than another. This is a profound and wise approach, because it encourages us – especially those studying this major – to avoid judgments and stereotypes based on other people's cultures.
Benedict's approach to diversity also highlights the role of individuals in society. He emphasized that individuals are not only influenced by their culture, but also have the ability to shape and influence culture. This is a hopeful view, as it shows that we have the potential to change an unfair or damaging culture to one that is more inclusive and sustainable.
Extensive anthropological data and research supports Ruth Benedict's views. Through case studies, field observations, and interviews with diverse human groups around the world, anthropologists have shown that cultural diversity is the norm rather than the exception. They have revealed that each culture has different social, economic and belief systems.
In an increasingly globally connected society, Ruth Benedict's views on cultural diversity remain relevant. Anthropology continues to play a role in understanding and celebrating cultural differences, which are a source of richness in human development as a species. In addition, this view reminds us of the importance of respecting, embracing, and collaborating with different cultures to create a more just and sustainable world.
