Thank you to Leslie Dorrough Smith (Editor) & the North American Association for the Study of Religion (NAASR) for the opportunity of a new publication in the volume Constructing "Data" in Religious Studies: Examining the Architecture of the Academy. "The volume Constructing “Data” in Religious Studies provides a critical introduction to the ways in which the category “data” is … Continue reading Constructing “Data” in Religious Studies
The Climate of Commodity Discourses: Values We Produce, Market, and Consume
Abstract: Global commodity chains are one lens anthropologists use to examine the dynamic entanglements within human social relations that exist in a highly monetized world, where worth is often determined by a set of cultural conversations founded on a clear stress on the principles of market value. Studies within political economy, anthropology, and cultural theory … Continue reading The Climate of Commodity Discourses: Values We Produce, Market, and Consume
On the Spot (Interview)
Interview: On the Spot with Jason Ellsworth Recent interview available at Culture on the Edge. The interview series “On the Spot” backs members of Culture on the Edge into a corner to talk about their backgrounds, their ongoing work, and what might be gained by an alternative understanding of how identity works. To read the full … Continue reading On the Spot (Interview)
Selling Diversity, Unity & Social Justice
Just before the Star-Spangled Banner ceremonially started Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, a minute long commercial with a message of “unity and positivity” kicked off one of the most commercialized events on the planet. No, the NFL did not welcome back Colin Kaepernick. And PETA did not join forces with Tom Brady to promote veganism … Continue reading Selling Diversity, Unity & Social Justice
The Town of Peace and Kindness
I recently had the good fortune to be interviewed by Lion's Roar magazine, where I discussed the dynamics of insiders vs outsiders in regards to the concepts of the "come from away" and the "islander." Lindsay Kyte's article offers a glimpse into the migration of new Buddhist and Amish communities on Prince Edward Island. "Montague, … Continue reading The Town of Peace and Kindness
Value, Values And Religion in the Contemporary World Workshop
I recently had the great opportunity to participate in a very engaging, productive, and stimulating workshop on the concept of value at the The Center for Contemporary Buddhist Studies (CCBS) – located in the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The center, Directed by Trine Brox, has held a continual stream of … Continue reading Value, Values And Religion in the Contemporary World Workshop
A Hunger for Authenticity
Recently published a short blog post over at Culture on the Edge on authenticity claims within the restaurant business. It seems that one of the new key words used to market food products today is the "authentic" - a contested descriptor that may tell one less about the food stuff that is for sale … Continue reading A Hunger for Authenticity
Reflecting On “The Dharma & the Dime” From Washington DC
For those who were unable to make it to the 116th Annual American Anthropological Association (AAA) in Washington DC this year. I recently co-wrote a piece with Elizabeth Williams Oerberga summarizing and reflecting on our panel, The Dharma and the Dime: Ethics and Economics in the Anthropology of Buddhism. The central aim of the panel attended to the anthropology of … Continue reading Reflecting On “The Dharma & the Dime” From Washington DC
Articulating Dinosaurs & Religions (The Story of Us)
ORIGINAL DATE OF PUBLICATION – October 13, 2017 PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE PUBLISHED AT CULTURE ON THE EDGE What then does it mean to reconstruct a dinosaur? Or to animate a dinosaur? What do the dinosaurs of the past have to do with us today? "The first time I remember thinking about what really makes a dinosaur, was … Continue reading Articulating Dinosaurs & Religions (The Story of Us)
Is Tom Brady Vegan, Vegetarian, or Just Another Omnivore?
Original Date of Publication - February 10, 2017 Peer-reviewed article published at Culture on the Edge A short peer-reviewed article, Is Tom Brady Vegan, Vegetarian, or Just Another Omnivore?, addresses the contested nature of ideological categories such as vegan and how these categories are often taken for granted. It takes the example of NFL quarterback Tom Brady’s predominately … Continue reading Is Tom Brady Vegan, Vegetarian, or Just Another Omnivore?
