Anthropology is a field which places our humanity in the full context of both culture and biology. Its development in the late 19th and early 20th Century was a vital antidote to Social Darwinism and other forms of ethnocentrism that were developing at the same time.
Physical anthropology and cultural anthropology together have ameliorated many of the worst excesses of racism in society. By pointing out the facts of human biology in a rational context, physical anthropologists have debunked the pseudo-scientific ideologies for ethnocentrism comprehensively. Cultural and social anthropologists have effectively repudiated myths used to subordinate non-Western cultures.
The links provided here are hoped to provide an integrative perspective that will encourage students to pursue careers in anthropology and multi-cultural education.
I was born in 1923 in Minnesota and later moved to Wisconsin. In 1948 I married Howard R. Olson,Sr and started a family. My first son, Howard, Jr. was born in 1949. My son Michael was born in 1950. My daughter, Marianne was born in 1956. In 1960 we moved to California.
The 1970s brought me the challenge and opportunity to attend college. I transferred from the local community college, Diablo Valley College, to San Francisco State University where I earned my degree in Anthropology (BA, Magna Cum Laude). I then became involved in Education in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District in Concord, CA.In particular I was attracted to a role in Special Education which was inspired by the humanistic tradition in Anthropology.
It is my hope that many people will be attracted to anthropology and multi-cultural education. I hope this Page can in some way help students in their career decisions.
Jeanne D. Olson