Examining Western biomedicine and Shamanism.

Anth 202: (Fall 2003) Mid-Term Exam Essay

Liza Jane McWilliams

110222282

Arts U1

Psychology

Part A Long Essay:

When examining Western biomedicine and Shamanism in a critical context, the statement that comes to mind is -“I will believe that when I see it”. Throughout Western biomedicine there is a strong desire to have an answer for everything. Incidents, which cannot be explained logically or scientifically, create a sense of fear or skepticism within those of Western medical belief. Therefore when examining Black Elk a Western reader is introduced to a method of healing which relies on the workings of spirits and supreme beings, both which are intangible and unexplained. Thus provoking feelings of disbelief and comments such as the one mentioned above. Though both Western biomedicine and Shamanism posses the same objective, which is to provide healing to those in need, the basis from which their methods originate and the systems and regulations which they follow differ greatly. In order to demonstrate the similarities and differences certain aspects of the Black Elk text and Western biomedicine will be discussed in the following ways. Firstly, the way in which Western people and the Lakota view the world will be looked at and how Lyon addresses the issue in Black Elk. Secondly, this paper will examine what influences the two types of practices, and how they believe healing should be done. And finally, looking at Black Elk specifically and the influence of the authors experience with Black Elk upon the Western reader.

Within the first few pages of the preface of Black Elk, Lyon states that his work is “an attempt at translation”. (Black Elk, xii) As the readers are introduced to Wallace Black Elk and the ways of the Lakota people, it is made clear that the thinking of the Lakota and their understanding of their place in the world is much different from that of a Western person. Therefore, Lyon plays the role a translator, positioning himself in both the Lakota and Western world. The Lakota grow up believing that they are related to everything, they are all part of the fire, rock, water, and green. (Black Elk, 14) Unlike the Lakota, Western society is educated and influenced by textbook and scientific evidence. Through this way of learning Western people are taught to only believe or support what can be proven. This statement is reinforced by Black Elk when he is describing the point during his childhood where he obtained powers from Tunkashila. Black Elk expresses the Lakota view of schooling by stating “It was a good thing I didn’t get educated in school; otherwise I would have lost the gift. I might have even gone against it”. (Black Elk ,9) This statement once again reinforces the great distinction between the two groups of people.

This is a preview of the whole essay

The medical views and methods used by both practices also differ greatly. Western biomedicine today views the human body as a machine. People within the medical world are rarely relating illness towards social reasons, mainly placing the cause of sickness within a biological basis. An example of this can be seen within the case study of Mrs. Flowers and Dr. Richards by Aurthur Kleinman, M.D. Through this example it is clear that the Dr. Richards does not believe that the intense and stressful lifestyle Mrs. Flowers is living would have anything to do with her physical deterioration. If this case study was put into a Lakota context the methods carried out and the causes of illness put forth would be very different. Shamanism takes a much more holistic approach to diagnosis. When the healer and the patient are at the same level of understanding it is easier for a successful cure to occur. Included in Black Elk is an example of an instance were Western medicine looks for assistance from Shamanism in order to save the life of a little boy. The people at the hospital were unable to cure him, and could no longer see him suffer. No matter what they did they were unable to find what was wrong with him. Black Elk commented on their medicinal tools by saying, “ the X-ray just goes right through there, and it doesn’t tell them where the pain is. It doesn’t tell them anything”. (Black Elk, 176) Even with the best technology the Western people needed to call of Shamanism and resort back to the original science.

Turning to Black Elk specifically, it is important to consider the viewpoint Lyon is writing from. He states very clearly at the beginning of the book that he and Black Elk share a very close relationship of eleven years; he himself compares it to that of an uncle and nephew. Remembering this it must also be noted that Lyon is very much devoted to that of the Lakota way of life and he is a strong believer in the acts of healing they perform. His strong beliefs are shown through a subjective and non-critical style within Black Elk.

The differences of these two medicinal practices will remain prominent as long as both groups of people continue to educate and maintain the same beliefs. Societies of both groups have grown up being taught certain things, thus making it very difficult to alter what they know to be right, or normal. Throughout Black Elk the Western reader is provided with numerous miraculous accounts of Shamanism, yet it is up to them to decide whether they will believe in it with out seeing it. Something which may be difficult for many Western minds to do.

Part B Short Answer:

2) Oscar Lewis’s concept of the role of poverty was placed upon the people of society who did not have the motivation or ability to escape from their negative situation. These people are also seen as sexually promiscuous and have no aims or aspirations for their future. This stagnant way of life therefore, continues the cycle of poverty within the family unit. The theory, which Lewis presents, does hold some valid points, however there are some exceptions to the case, which should be noted. It should not be said that all poor people are sexually promiscuous by nature, and also despite their lifestyle conditions there are some people who challenge the restrictions put on the poor and attempt to escape to better things.

When in search of employment many people within the impoverished society must resort to sex work. This is a choice they made in order to gain income that they can share with their disadvantaged family. In countries such as Thailand family members are supported and motivated by their kin to participate in the sex trade. (224) With this information in mind, the notion that poverty stricken people are more sexually promiscuous is wrong, because at times they may have no other choice.

Also contrary to what Lewis says about never escaping from a poor lifestyle, there are exceptions to everything. Not all people from a poor background will continue to live in poverty. This can be seen in the story of Esmeralda Santiago a Puerto Rican woman from a poor broken family who battles the odds and becomes educated and graduates from Harvard University with highest honors. (228)

Considering the above information it can be said that though Lewis make a convincing argument, people who are born into a poor family will likely grow up living the way that they are accustomed to. However, there are always exceptions and certain people who break outside the boundaries and pave the way for hope.

3) Marriage is prevalent in all cultures, each having their own specific rules and forms. Due to the differences in marriage throughout culture, the task of defining the term anthropologically is not an easy one. Some anthropologists have even stopped trying to attempt to find a suitable definition for the event. Due to the fact that cultures differ so greatly from each other it only makes sense that the act of marriage would fit into the believed norms of that society.

Today the definition, which would best fit marriages of all cultures, is that of anthropologists Linda Stone who states “Marriage involves an intimate relation between spouses and creates in-law kin relations”. (204) This definition works very well for today’s cultures as it takes into account multiple, or same sex spouses.

Due to the fact that so many lifestyles are practiced and accepted around the world it is very important that the way a marriage is carried out reflects those beliefs and practices of the people involved. Personally, I believe that this variation only strengthens the anthropological understanding of marriage. Knowing that there is such a variety of marriages being performed, anthropologists are forced to view them all holistically as not to exclude or ignore a specific one. Being exposed to all the different types of marriage only allows for an anthropologist to better understand the different ways people live and what their beliefs are.