Hey......Mr. Anthropologist......

He has never called himself an anthropologist. He may even be unfamiliar with the academic discipline of Anthropology. What is anthropology, anyway? According to Webster's definition, it is "the scientific study of the origin and the physical, social and cultural development and behavior of humans." I have talked to tourists, travelers, vacationers, visitors and the like about their trips to Mexico, Central America and South America. I get the impression sometimes, that they do not like to see other travelers where they are visiting. I get the impression that they have preconceived notions about how conditions "should be." How the indigenous people "should be." They act disappointed because an "Indian" has a cell phone or a computer and knows how to use it. What did he expect? "Mr. Anthropologist" finds solace in studying indigenous peoples of Latin America. But sometimes he doesn't realize that those people are sometimes exposed to technology and are able to view different ways of living, and at times, these ways have proven to be very attractive to them. But sometimes, "Mr. Anthropologist," in his condescension, does not see it that way. He prefers to see a living textbook in front of him, that conforms to some sort of mystique he has developed in his mind and expectations.