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I often get asked about my major, cultural anthropology, what is it and what exactly does one do with such a degree. This is an understandable question. The answer isn’t black and white, nor does it get easier to answer as time goes on. Cultural anthropology by definition is the study of cultural variation between humans. Anthropologists study the impact of global, economic, and political processes, on local cultural realities. What propelled my interest in cultural anthropology was a seven-month study abroad trip to Thailand. This was my first experience in a third-world country and after doing various volunteer work there, I began to understand the extensive need in these areas of the world.
Following my graduation this year I will finally begin my career working for a local, charitable, non-profit that takes action to combat the negative effects of global, economic, and political processes on local cultures right here in Baltimore. This is all very exciting, but why am I telling you this?
The reason is, although my days are still filled with classes and endless studies on politics, economics, and social theories, I often feel there is little I am currently doing to contribute to charitable global causes. However, a couple weeks ago I was reminded that I am not the only one who feels this way, and that there are organizations out there that have discovered successful and innovative ways to enable communities across the country to make a difference, while going about their busy lives. It is hard to believe that local communities here in the states can collaborate together wherever they are and make a difference for people thousands of miles away. On March 12th I attended one such event.
It was called a Stache Bash and on a recent Friday it took place at Baltimore’s own Mt Washington Tavern. The goal was to raise awareness and money for the continuing tremendous need for access to clean drinking water in Africa. Weeks before the party, a group of participating guys started letting their facial hair grow—an activity that doesn’t go unnoticed by those around them, be it at school, work, or wherever they go. The goal was folks around the participants will notice otherwise clean-shaven friend and say something like, “hey, what’s up with the creepy stasche?” , At which point the participant can spread the word and invite whomever they’re telling to join in the cause, and come to the Stache Bash Party. Every year it has been $10 admission at the door with all of the proceeds going to Blood:Water Mission. This year was the fourth annual Stache Bash and the total amount raised was $7,000. The year before that the party raised $8,500, and over $12,000 the year before that, making a total of around $27,500 over the past three years. The core values of Blood:Water Mission are focused on community, responsibility, integrity, dignity, and teachability and their purpose is simple: achieve this though creative social action. They are a grassroots organization that empowers communities to work together against the HIV/AIDS and water crisis in Africa, and the Stache Bash was a perfect example of how we can participate. Looking back at the great night my friends and I had, and knowing how we took part in such an amazing cause made an already fun event that much more memorable. To check out a slideshow of a few shots of the great crowd that night, click below.
To learn more about Blood:Water Mission and the great work they do, check them out here.
http://www.bloodwatermission.com/how-we-work/
Tags: clean water, Mt Washington Tavern, social action
Filed Under: Community Feature Sights
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