Even though this is a history blog... It is relevant in many ways..

The following is a blog I had to post as an assignment for grad school. This was supposed to be in a relaxed writing style and discussing our experiences in grad school thus far. Even though it talks about my program this blog is relevant in so many ways...

WHY CANT WE ALL JUST GET ALONG

The initial reason for my application to a Masters program was my genuine and immense love of history. The program I am currently in is absolutely incredible, however I must say, my undergraduate program did nothing to prepare me for what was to be expected. I only had to write one paper in Chicago format and that was my Senior Seminar paper. With all that aside, I had to pretty much navigate through this new program the best I could. A very wise professor once told my class, "We are all colleagues and in this together." He spread his message of being there to support each other, offering sources and even help when necessary. However, after completing my first couple of semesters I realized the amount of rivalry. Not with all people, as I have made some fantastic connections, but with a few. Particularly in classes with a hybrid of Anthropology and History students together. 

There have been several instances of snidey remarks, rolling of eyes, and even heated debates going around the room. Don't get me wrong, I love a good debate, but when presented in a respectful manner. The most recent instance was last week. We were discussing a comment made by a prominent Anthropologist who stated that he did not need history to help him with his anthropological work. Now of course this statement can, and should be argued from both sides. The historians in the room ALL argued that the mix of history and anthropology was important when examining any historic event or archeological site. Of course, I needed to chime in after a fellow classmate and anthropology major stated that there was extreme bias to historical documents. This woman actually had anger in her voice when she was speaking. I didn't realize one tiny statement could touch so many nerves. 

The point of the matter is this, while SOME, not ALL, historical documents may have a touch of bias, they are important in understanding the overall picture. My professor of this particular class was even telling us a story about an important anthropologist who found a metal piece in one of his digs and went on and on about the significance of this piece. It turns out it fell off one of the brooms that was brought onto the site. No one piece of evidence can give a person a complete understanding of a time period or event. This is why it is important for archeologists and historians to work together to put pieces of the puzzle together. If I have a map, a deed, and the archeological evidence from a foundation of a house, I can learn a lot more. Think of it like a court case. You can not be charged with murder if the only evidence you have is a witness claimed someone of your height was seen leaving the scene of the crime, you need fingerprints, DNA evidence, and motive. 

Moral of this post is this, I am not saying one field is more important than another. I am saying we need to work together as Historians and Anthropologists. We need to cut the pettiness and actually get some work done. We are colleagues and the connections we make now in graduate school will stay with us forever. Never burn bridges, you never know when you will need to cross them in the future. And my last and most important comment, it is okay to disagree with each other but please do so in a respectful manner. Nothing is more unattractive than cattiness, especially by scholarly individuals.

In all areas of life it is important to be respectful of others. 

Krisann <3