4th November 2005, 02:40 PM
Judy,
There is absolutely no need to apologise for your grasp of the English language; there are many native speakers whose command of the language and ability to express themselves in it is poorer than your own.
To address some of your points:
I don't think that anyone is worried about people from minority groups taking over British archaeology. But I do think that archaeology and its interpretation is tied more closely to the social and historical framework of the country than you give it credit for. One example I can think of is the Ban Po Neolithic village in China. This was touted as a proto-communist society because there was a large central hut. The Chinese interpreted this as a communal meeting house where decisions for the whole community would be voted on. If this had been found in the UK there is a good chance that it would have been interpreted as the headman's hut, finds notwithstanding.
You talk of British archaeology as if it is a single entity. This is not the case. If all of your experience is in England you will find it hard to get a job in Scotland because, in my experience, Scottish archaeology is seen as different to English.
I do not see anyone as being in a huff over what has been said. I think that there is room for constructive debate here now that the subject has been broached. One problem we have here is that it is often difficult to have a frank and open exchange of views regarding ethnic minorities, even when trying to be constructive, because many people are overly sensitive and touchy about the subject.
The comments about being ashamed are not about being British, they are about being English. There is a difference. It is perfectly alright to be Welsh, Scottish or Irish and be proud of that origin, but the overwhelming impression that the English have is that it is a shameful thing to be English. We were not even allowed to have a display of ships to celebrate the Battle of Trafalgar without them being called red and blue fleets for fear of offending the French and Spanish. The Battle of Trafalgar was a major historical event that had a significant effect on the result of the Napoleonic Wars and resulted in the death of a national hero. Why is it shameful for the English to celebrate this event, when the Scots fete Wallace or Bruce openly? Culturally, England is being castrated too. The recent fuss over the "Winter Lights" in Lambeth is one example of this. I find this highly offensive, but it has a bearing on why some might not wish to delve deeper into the culture and history of England. After all, why bother when it is a shameful thing to be an English person?
Anyway, I look forward to your paper.
Cheers,
Eggbasket
Gentleman Adventurer and Antique
"Ask not for whom the bell tolls, the ringing's in your head"
There is absolutely no need to apologise for your grasp of the English language; there are many native speakers whose command of the language and ability to express themselves in it is poorer than your own.
To address some of your points:
I don't think that anyone is worried about people from minority groups taking over British archaeology. But I do think that archaeology and its interpretation is tied more closely to the social and historical framework of the country than you give it credit for. One example I can think of is the Ban Po Neolithic village in China. This was touted as a proto-communist society because there was a large central hut. The Chinese interpreted this as a communal meeting house where decisions for the whole community would be voted on. If this had been found in the UK there is a good chance that it would have been interpreted as the headman's hut, finds notwithstanding.
You talk of British archaeology as if it is a single entity. This is not the case. If all of your experience is in England you will find it hard to get a job in Scotland because, in my experience, Scottish archaeology is seen as different to English.
I do not see anyone as being in a huff over what has been said. I think that there is room for constructive debate here now that the subject has been broached. One problem we have here is that it is often difficult to have a frank and open exchange of views regarding ethnic minorities, even when trying to be constructive, because many people are overly sensitive and touchy about the subject.
The comments about being ashamed are not about being British, they are about being English. There is a difference. It is perfectly alright to be Welsh, Scottish or Irish and be proud of that origin, but the overwhelming impression that the English have is that it is a shameful thing to be English. We were not even allowed to have a display of ships to celebrate the Battle of Trafalgar without them being called red and blue fleets for fear of offending the French and Spanish. The Battle of Trafalgar was a major historical event that had a significant effect on the result of the Napoleonic Wars and resulted in the death of a national hero. Why is it shameful for the English to celebrate this event, when the Scots fete Wallace or Bruce openly? Culturally, England is being castrated too. The recent fuss over the "Winter Lights" in Lambeth is one example of this. I find this highly offensive, but it has a bearing on why some might not wish to delve deeper into the culture and history of England. After all, why bother when it is a shameful thing to be an English person?
Anyway, I look forward to your paper.
Cheers,
Eggbasket
Gentleman Adventurer and Antique
"Ask not for whom the bell tolls, the ringing's in your head"