Introduction
The impact of history on current human relationships and attitudes toward already-made achievements and future prospects is currently being discussed. Some believe cooperation, compassion, and kindness promote progress, while others consider violence and restrictions an inevitable form of control. This review will explain how to use anthropology and ethnography research to determine interpersonal relationships.
The authors introduce various ethnographic notes to give vital insights into the intricacies of social connections and the influence of past societies’ experiences. Das (2006), Perera (2001), and Ross (2003) examine violence as a part of human history that becomes the only form of control and development. Chatterji and Mehta (2007) and Han (2014) prove the importance of establishing kind relationships even after violent experiences, a so-called juxtaposition method. Five readings will be examined, the major topic of which is the connection between the human past and present through the prism of concepts such as violence, kindness, free voice, and control.
Violence in Human Relationships
Despite the intention to create equal and democratic societies, people cannot avoid violence. Perera (2001) admits that human memories are necessary “as expressions of the guilt of the living over the dead, a desire for justice and revenge, and the need to alleviate the otherworldly suffering” (p. 197). The author investigates spirit possession in Sri Lanka and its connection to gender roles and socioeconomic stratification because narratives came from people “who have directly or indirectly experienced terror,” proving the validity of the information (Perera, 2001, p. 158). Oppressed people became powerless to gain justice in society and depended on supernatural stories as the only free and safe source. It seems that even the most naïve stories promote a strong form of control and manipulation in society, not to repeat mistakes.
A similar impact of violence and dependence on external factors is commonly observed in Das’s work. The author chooses the Indian context to underline the connection between extraordinary occurrences and daily life (2006, 2006). She admits that people were damaged by violence and had to tear their objects because brutal “violence had blasted out these spaces from their usual normality” (Das, 2006, p. 13).
Her ethnographic goal defines human skepticism as an explanation of people’s inability to forget the damage and hurts of violent betrayal (Das, 2006). She focuses on certain occurrences, such as riots and acts of violence, and their effects on everyday lives to transform solidarity and resistance. Compared to other findings, this chapter contains an essential viewpoint on violence as an inevitable part of human experiences.
Human Reactions and Acts of Kindness
Sometimes, it is hard to predict or avoid violence, but attempts to cultivate kindness in society remain a common goal for many anthropologists and ethnographers. Han (2014) explores the difficulties of promoting kindness in “everyday life and anthropology, particularly with respect to the urban poor” (p. 71). The author accepts the worth of positive and supportive human reactions to events and daily routines. The actual outcome of kindness might be diminished when there is an expectation that society will be repaid (Han, 2014).
The author’s ethnographic engagement allows her to find a sociological explanation of kindness instead of focusing on social interests and moral economies (Han, 2014). Violence is an example of trauma, and kindness, in turn, helps respond to external threats. Thus, compared to other readings, Han’s article proves the necessity of developing and strengthening interpersonal relationships, not to be separated but united to improve life.
Control of Human Relationships
There are many forms to control human relationships and impose a particular anthropological standpoint. While carrying out ethnographic research, people share their narratives to assess their behaviors. Chatterji and Mehta (2007) address the Bombay riots between 1992 and 1993 and describe their complexity and impact on everyday life. Violence consists of events that demoralize individuals and require a number of steps to promote rehabilitation and refashioning of spaces (Chatterji & Mehta, 2007).
On the one hand, violence controls people and makes them behave specifically to the current changes. On the other hand, even if a violent act is over, its outcomes and effects continue to affect the population and dictate the rules. This principle of the juxtaposition of two orders – violence and recovery – is a distinctive element of the chosen article.
The Power of Voices in Anthropological Studies
In a world full of prejudice, one must never forget about personal contributions and skills for building a successful society, even after experiencing violent events. There are situations when negative external impacts are used to support and motivate people. Ross (2003) investigates the consequences of testifying about South African experiences from the point of view of self and vulnerability. The author concludes that anthropological studies may have good and negative impacts on victims and survivors, proving the importance of the “relation between pain and culture” and cherishing “reawakened memories” (Ross, 2003, p. 337). The article underlines the significance of providing survivors with a voice and following their continuing needs.
Conclusion
These works provide valuable insights into the complexities of social interactions and the influence they have on individuals and communities. Additionally, the guidance offered by the authors contributes to underlining the importance of effective documentation of human reactions, emotions, and memories. Despite the inability to come to the same conclusion about violence and kindness in human relationships, these findings explain the necessity to control people and manage their voices.
References
Chatterji, R., & Mehta, D. (2007). Living with violence: An anthropology of events and everyday life. Routledge.
Das, V. (2006). Life and words: Violence and the descent into the ordinary. University of California Press.
Han, C. (2014). 3. The difficulty of kindness: Boundaries, time, and the ordinary. In V. Das, M. Jackson, A. Kleiman, & B. Singh (Eds.), The ground between anthropologists engage philosophy (pp. 71-93). Duke University Press.
Perera, S. (2001). Spirit possessions and avenging ghosts. In V. Das, A. Kleinman, M. Lock, M. Ramphele, & P. Reynolds (Eds.), Remaking a world: Violence, social suffering and recovery (pp. 157-200). University of California Press.
Ross, F. C. (2003). On having a voice and being heard: Some after-effects of testifying before the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Anthropological Theory, 3(3), 325-341.