Category: Prevalent Anthropological Issues
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Cross-Cultural Comparisons: The Maya and Their Global Counterparts (Alyna Johnson)
Introduction As multiracial travelers to Yucatán, Mexico, who enjoy making cross-cultural connections, we were intrigued by the ways in which Maya traditions reflect both cultures that engaged with the civilization and that remained detached from it. Before we explore specific parallels, we must understand the development of the Maya’s cultural foundation. During the Preclassic period,… Read more
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Moral Decision-Making: An Interplay Between the Brain and Heart (Riya Johnson)
Introduction The eighteenth century philosopher David Hume believed that intuition and emotion drive decision-making. In his mind, our actions are not controlled by reason; rather, our feelings push us down certain paths. He proposed that individuals display virtue because the right thing to do evokes pleasure, not because reason helps us calculate morality. The ancient… Read more
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The Dangers of Genetic and Biological Determinism (Riya Johnson)
Introduction I recently wrote a post entitled “The Power of the Gene and Biology.” By exploring biological anthropology, I have furthered my appreciation for the fascinating abilities of genes and evolution. Not only do they cultivate diversity but also improve our health and influence social phenomena. However, as you know, our blog is devoted to… Read more
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Sugar: the Falsely Convicted Silent Killer (Alyna Johnson)
Introduction At some point in our lives, most of us have resolved to eat healthier. What are the first few changes you would make to your diet? Chances are that eliminating sugar sprung to mind. Although diet culture has demonized this ingredient, we must be wary of the ideas propagated by our communities. Since Dual… Read more
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The Power of the Gene and Biology (Riya Johnson)
Introduction Around 500 BC, ancient Greek philosophers, including Hippocrates and Pythagoras, believed that fathers’ characteristics determined those of their babies. They claimed that semen within a future father contained his essence, which then formed a new person. Fathers’ essence included all the physical characteristics with which they were born and that they had acquired during… Read more
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The Disputed Ethics of Weight Loss Camps (Alyna Johnson)
Introduction As I have shared, I was and still am on the heavier side. When I was a tween, my most insecure period, I tried restrictive diets and rigorous workouts to shed weight. However, my efforts were nothing compared to weight loss camps’ extreme approaches. A documentary was made about an American weight loss camp,… Read more
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The Past, Present, and Future of Galápagos Tortoises (Riya Johnson)
Introduction One of the primary reasons I wanted to visit the Galápagos was to see the giant tortoises. From their majestic shells to their kind faces, these tortoises have fascinated me ever since I first learned about them at school. In fact, when the Spanish saw the shell of the saddleback tortoise, they noted its… Read more
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The Effect of Nurture on Childhood Obesity (Alyna Johnson)
Note: Through two posts on the modern obesity epidemic, Riya and I live up to our name, Dual Perspectives, by examining the issue from two viewpoints. I describe how nurture leads to childhood obesity while Riya examines how your nature can make you genetically prone to the condition. Neither one of us denies that nature… Read more
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The Effect of Nature on Childhood Obesity (Riya Johnson)
Note: Alyna and I decided to both respond to the childhood obesity epidemic but through our unique lenses. I focus on how your nature or genetic predisposition leaves you vulnerable to obesogenic environments. Alyna, on the other hand, focuses on how your nurture as a child influences your weight. We would recommend reading Alyna’s blog… Read more
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Biological Adaptations to High Altitudes in Ecuador (Riya Johnson)
Introduction After living in the mountains of Ecuador for a few days, my mother began experiencing headaches and nausea. I learned that she was suffering from mountain sickness, a result of hypoxia: a lack of oxygen supply in body tissues that increases at higher altitudes. Additional symptoms of mountain sickness include fatigue and breathlessness. However,… Read more