2nd September 2009, 04:39 PM
Quote:I was trying to suggest that by trying to change our public perception from bearded stripey jumpered diggers to hi viz commercial professionals, we may have left behind the very thing that made people want archaeology and see it as important to them
Part of me does wonder whether this is indeed the case, every day. I would hope that we can be both professional and engaging! But that is a very difficult tightrope to try and walk along, and I know that most of us do try and do that to the best of our abilities. Some days archaeology is utterly **** and very depressing, but as long as for most of the time it is personally engaging, rewarding (not financially of course) and we learn new things, then I will continue to do it!
To be entirely honest and personal, I am not sure that we will ever gain parity with other professions (such as architects, engineers, lawyers and doctors)... simply because society regards new buildings, roads, legal services and medical treatment as essentials, and an understanding of the past as a luxury. You and I (and all of us) all know that where we are today is entirely a result of where we have come from, and understanding the past is essential. But I think we are in the minority. For instance we have a Prime Minister with a PhD in History from Edinburgh who desires to 'streamline' the planning process to encourage development.
Conflicting demands, and no easy answers. If we want to change things we just have to keep shouting as loud as we can - and for that reason I genuinely believe that getting behind the IfA and presenting a united professional front is the only way forward.