Gourevitch (1998) sets a fine example of how an anthropologist can help us understand the complexity of an incident by unpacking the political, historical, economical, cultural, social, and educational factors that contribute as its genesis, as driving force in its development, and as influential elements in present and future implications. [Read More!]

The reading assignment for the spring break this year was: We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families: Stories from Rwanda by Philip Gourevitch. I also had a chance to watch, "Hotel Rwanda," which visualizes the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 from a different angle. [Read More!]

Having seen photos and videos about the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster and the endeavors to stop fire set on oil wells in Kuwait following Saddam's order, I was inspired to think of how vulnerable we humanbeings are and how ignorant we could be about our sensible relationship with the nature. I did not have time to refer to the readings on the environmental issues and human rights, so I composed a poem in Thai instead.

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It is not unknown that relativism has been used to argue for deviation from universalism of human rights in principle and implementation. Cultural differences, particularly religious ones, have played a prominent role in the debate against the universal human rights by the Muslim world. Details on the relevant sensitive issues are very interesting and controversial, but discussion on where we move forward from the point of ‘civilization conflicts” is perhaps equally, if not more, compelling. [Read More!]