Bravo for the Marshallese: Regaining Control in a Post-Nuclear, Post-Colonial World (Case Studies on Contemporary Social Issues)

By Holly M. Barker

Book Overview

This case study describes the role an applied anthropologist takes to help Marshallese communities understand the impact of radiation exposure on the environment and themselves, and addresses problems... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0534613268
• ISBN13: 9780534613266
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.3" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Marshall Island struggles onward despite Cold War legacy

Dr. Barker's fascinating work chronicles the efforts of a tiny nation to overcome environmental devastation at the hands of the United States. The challenges faced by the Marshallese people include environmental contamination from carcinogens such as nuclear waste (from American testing of nuclear weapons) and PCBs (from multinational corporations). Despite the misery and devastating caused by their supposed protectors (the U.S. government), Dr. Barker accurately describes the boundless determination, decency and generosity, which the Marshallese people share with all. As Dr. Barker correctly notes, this resiliency will prove essential to the citizens of the Marshall Islands as they continue to face critical challenges such as economic globalization, nuclear and environmental remediation, and global warming. Any of which, could prove catastrophic in the decades to come.

Anthropology in the public interest

Dr. Barker has told a story that most Americans never learn, and our government still tries to hide: that the U.S. tested nuclear weapons with full knowledge that the Marshallese people would be affected by the fallout and associated radiation. Using innovative anthropological oral history and linguistics analysis techniques, Dr. Barker demonstrates how the Marshallese have endured the physical, political, and cultural impacts of the U.S. nuclear weapons testing program on Bikini and Enewetok, and developed institutions and cultural adaptations to advance beyond victim status. A must-read for any serious scholar of the Cold War and its human consequences.