A Voice To The Voiceless

For many, anthropology seems irrelevant. Most are unaware of the purpose it serves in everyday lives. Dr. Damien Marken explains that the separate fields in his department make contributions that one would never believe this field of study could be involved in. While anthropology sounds like just the "study of people," as so simply stated by the professor in his relaxing desk chair, it follows many different areas and is practiced all around the world. Because anthropology involves the people and asks the questions that need to be asked, advertising companies, economical businessmen, and more, use the assistance of an anthropologist to obtain the information needed to make more money as well as, help those who can't help themselves, according to Marken.

Dr. Damien Marken

Because there are four different fields of anthropology, there is boundless information constantly being learned everyday. Dr. Marken prides himself in being part of the archaeology department, reliving the glory days of when he was a young freshman, feeling the sun rise at five in the morning and admiring the sunset from his tent. Being a professor has given him the opportunity to teach about the other fields as well: linguistics, biological anthropology, (also known as physical anthropology), and cultural anthropology. He never tires of teaching youthful minds about his passion. To Marken, the goals of an anthropologist is to "learn about the diversity of humans." By enlightening oneself about cultural and individual differences, the world will seem bigger and a better place to live, rather than inside a bubble, not being able to voice your opinion, making it count for something. "Anthropologists," remarks Professor Marken, "back in my day, would major in marketing as well as anthropology because those two work very well together." In fact, anthropologists designed the way grocery stores are set up. By talking to costumers and obtaining their opinion, they were able to develop a strategy to help both the companies selling the products and the guests who needed the products, making it a bit easier for both. Marken helps society through of teaching this to young college student's minds.

Finding from El Peru

"You don't need a college degree to be an anthropologist," Dr. Marken laughs, moving around the papers on his desk, when asked about the level of education needed. "If you want to teach the stuff, you need a PhD. Going in the field and actually doing the stuff? Well, you can do that now. Many people do anthropological work without even realizing it." Being a professor, himself, he has a PhD, having studied at the University of Santa Barbara, Universite de Paris I: Panteon-Sorbonne, and Southern Methodist University, yet merely inquiring and observing things that one might think would benefit society, can be considered anthropological work. However, Archaeology cannot be "accidentally" carried out. Damien has worked in many places through his department of anthropology, one of the largest places being El Peru, an exhibit shown on the left. He would wake up in the morning and work until late at night doing research and uncovering the past piece by piece. "It is important to know our history and being able to admire it is a gift in itself," the professor smiles.

Dr. Marken comments about how the best part of the job is getting the results and feeling as if he has accomplished something, knowing that he is giving back to a community that has helped him get to where he wished to be. Growing up around archaeologists, he has been able to study the field thoroughly, already creating a dislike for certain things. Political scandals and people of higher power that want nothing but money, annoy him, making that the worst part of his job. But because he loves his career so greatly, that does not matter to him. Oddly enough, however, the worst experience he has ever had during the job is not related to politics: "My worst experience while working has definitely been getting food poisoning." One wouldn't think that this could be the worst thing to happen while working, but to Marken, it was. Especially not being able to put in the effort he wanted to.

One of the El Peru Archaeology Sites

There can never be enough anthropologists in the world. By being able to listen to what the people want and what they need, the world will be better off. Marken's advice to young anthropologists is to read. "Not just reading because you have to, but reading because you want to. Learn to want to read." It does not have to be about anthropology or the different terms used in this field but just simply yearning for education. By showing up to class and doing field work, one will have an easier time, as well as excel in the anthropological lifestyle. Gesturing to the a bookcase, the professor nobly points to the book he was had been admiring recently. The book was How To Create the Perfect At Home Garden. "It may not seem like something that would help, and I may still not be able to build the perfect garden, but at least I will be able to help those who don't know how. Plus, it really is interesting." Anthropologists go out of their way to make sure that all are heard. As Dr. Damien Marken beautifully noted, anthropology is, in fact, "giving a voice to the voiceless."