Review of The Political Activism of Anthropologist Franz Boas, Citizen Scientst

[Summer Philips]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Political Activism of Anthropologist Franz Boas, Citizen Scientst" by Alan H McGowan.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Leading anthropologist Franz Boas introduced cultural relativity and used hard science to refute ideas of racial superiority, leaving a lasting legacy in his area. Outside the classroom, Boas was a fervent supporter of pacifism, social justice, and human rights. He also opposed American engagement in World War I. His support of the Kwakwaka'wakw people was indicative of his conviction that all cultures should be respected and preserved. Boas is a political activist and scientist, and McGowan's incisive book explores his dual identities while underlining his contributions to free speech and antiracism.

The book is an invaluable tool for comprehending the confluence of politics, science, and social issues since McGowan emphasizes the lasting significance of Boas's dedication to social justice and his significant role in societal transformation by using primary sources. This book appeals to me because it provides an incisive account of Boas' political activism, focusing on how his scientific work intersected with his political ideals. McGowan does a fantastic job of demonstrating this, particularly through examples of Boas' opposition to World War I and his efforts to safeguard free speech for people suspected of left-wing tendencies. The work also makes excellent use of primary sources. It portrays Boas in a genuine and colorful manner, relying extensively on historical data. The references to Boas' letters and articles were very helpful since they shed light on his thinking and deeds in ways that secondary sources cannot. This level of study provides a fascinating layer to the story.

There was nothing that I didn't like about this book; the life of Boas was an inspiration for me. I will rate this book 5 out of 5 stars; the author's analysis of Boas's political activism was superb. I especially appreciated the examples of his opposition to World War I and his defense of free speech. I do recommend this book to anyone who has the hunger for making societal change like the author. There were no errors in this book, which meant it was exceptionally edited. The Political Activism of Anthropologist Franz Boas, Citizen Scientst by Alan H McGowan is a fantastic read.

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The Political Activism of Anthropologist Franz Boas, Citizen Scientst
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