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religion-is-a-mental-illness · 1 month

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By: Alex Byrne

Published: Mar 14, 2024

“Computing is not binary” would be a silly slogan—binary computer code underpins almost every aspect of modern life. But other kinds of binaries are decidedly out of fashion, particularly where sex is concerned. “Biology is not binary” declares the title of an essay in the March/April issue of American Scientist, a magazine published by Sigma Xi, the science and engineering honor society. Sigma Xi has a storied history, with numerous Nobel-prize-winning members, including the DNA-unravellers Francis Crick and James Watson, and more recently Jennifer Doudna, for her work on CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. The essay is well-worth critical examination, not least because it efficiently packs so much confusion into such a short space.

Another reason for examining it is the pedigree of the authors—Kate Clancy, Agustín Fuentes, Caroline VanSickle, and Catherine Clune-Taylor. Clancy is a professor of anthropology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Fuentes is a professor of anthropology at Princeton, and Clune-Taylor is an assistant professor of gender and sexuality studies at that university; VanSickle is an associate professor of anatomy at Des Moines. Clancy’s Ph.D. is from Yale, Fuentes’ is from UC Berkeley, and VanSickles’ is from Michigan. Clune-Taylor is the sole humanist: she has a Ph.D. in philosophy from Alberta, with Judith Butler as her external examiner. In short, the authors are not ill-educated crackpots or dogmatic activists, but top-drawer scholars. Their opinions matter.

Let’s talk about sex, baby

Before wading into the essay’s arguments, let’s look at the context, as noted in the second paragraph. “Last fall,” the authors write, “the American Anthropological Association made headlines after removing a session on sex and gender from its November 2023 annual conference.” The session’s cancellation was covered by the New York Times as well as international newspapers, and it eventually took place under the auspices of Heterodox Academy. (You can watch the entire event here.) Scheduled for the Sunday afternoon “dead zone” of the five-day conference, when many attendees leave for the airport, the title was “Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby: Why biological sex remains a necessary analytic category in anthropology.” The lineup was all-female, and included the anthropologists Kathleen Lowrey and Elizabeth Weiss. According to the session description, “With research foci from hominin evolution to contemporary artificial intelligence, from the anthropology of education to the debates within contemporary feminism about surrogacy, panelists make the case that while not all anthropologists need to talk about sex, baby, some absolutely do.”

Nothing evidently objectionable here, so why was it cancelled? The official letter announcing that the session had been removed from the program, signed by the presidents of the AAA and CASCA (the Canadian Anthropology Society), explained:

The reason the session deserved further scrutiny was that the ideas were advanced in such a way as to cause harm to members represented by the Trans and LGBTQI of the anthropological community as well as the community at large.

Why “the Trans” were double-counted (the T in LGBTQI) was not clear. And although ideas can harm, a handful of academics speaking in the Toronto Convention Centre are unlikely to cause much. In any event, the authors of “Biology is not binary” seem to think that the panelists’ errors about sex warranted the cancellation, not the trauma their words would bring to vulnerable anthropologists. “We were glad,” they say, “to see the American Anthropological Association course-correct given the inaccuracy of the panelists’ arguments.”

Never mind that no-one had heard the panelists’ arguments—what were these “inaccuracies”? The panelists, Clancy and her co-authors report, had claimed that “sex is binary,” and that “male and female represent an inflexible and infallible pair of categories describing all humans.”

“Biology is not binary” is not off to a promising start. Only one of the cancelled panelists, Weiss, has said anything about sex being binary in her talk abstract, and even that was nuanced: “skeletons are binary; people may not be.” No one had claimed that the two sex categories were “inflexible” or “infallible,” which anyway doesn’t make sense. (This is one example of the essay’s frequent unclarity of expression.) Neither had anyone claimed that every single human falls into one sex category or the other.

Probably the real reason the proposed panel caused such a stir was that it was perceived (in Clancy et al.’s own words) as “part of an intentional gender-critical agenda.” And, to be fair, some of the talks were “gender-critical,” for instance Silvia Carrasco’s. (Carrasco’s views have made her a target of activists at her university in Barcelona.) Still, academics can’t credibly cancel a conference session simply because a speaker defends ideas that bother some people, hence the trumped-up charges of harm and scientific error.

Although Clancy et al. misleadingly characterize the content of the cancelled AAA session, their essay might yet get something important right. They argue for four main claims. First, “sex is not binary.” Second, “sex is culturally constructed.” Third, “defining sex is difficult.” And, fourth, there is no one all-purpose definition of sex—it depends “on what organism is being studied and what question is being asked.”

Let’s go through these in order.

“Sex is not binary”

When people say that sex is binary, they sometimes mean that there are exactly two sexes, male and female. Sometimes they mean something else: the male/female division cuts humanity into two non-overlapping groups. That is, every human is either male (and not female), or female (and not male). These two interpretations of “Sex is binary” are different. Perhaps there are exactly two sexes, but there are some humans who are neither male nor female, or who are both sexes simultaneously. In that scenario, sex is binary according to the first interpretation, but not binary according to the second. Which of the two interpretations do Clancy et al. have in mind?

At least the essay is clear on this point. The “Quick Take” box on the first page tells us that the (false) binary thesis is that “male and female [are] the only two possible sex categories.” And in the text the authors say that “plenty of evidence has emerged to reject” the hypothesis that “there are only two sexes.” (Here they mystifyingly add “…and that they are discrete and different.” Obviously if there are two sexes then they are different.)

If there are not exactly two sexes, then the number of sexes is either zero, one, or greater than two. Since Clancy et al. admit that “categories such as ‘male’ and ‘female’…can be useful,” they must go for the third option: there are more than two sexes. But how many? Three? 97? In a striking absence of curiosity, the authors never say.

In any case, what reason do Clancy et al. give for thinking that the number of sexes is at least three? The argument is in this passage:

[D]ifferent [“sex-defining”] traits also do not always line up in a person’s body. For example, a human can be born with XY chromosomes and a vagina, or have ovaries while producing lots of testosterone. These variations, collectively known as intersex, may be less common, but they remain a consistent and expected part of human biology. So the idea that there are only two sexes…[has] plenty of evidence [against it].

However, this reasoning is fallacious. The premise is that some (“intersex”) people do not have enough of the “sex-defining” traits to be either male or female. The conclusion is that there are more than two sexes. The conclusion only follows if we add an extra premise, that these intersex people are not just neither male nor female, but another sex. And Clancy et al. do nothing to show that intersex people are another sex.

What’s more, it is quite implausible that any of them are another sex. Whatever the sexes are, they are reproductive categories. People with the variations noted by Clancy et al. are either infertile, for example those with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) (“XY chromosomes and a vagina”), or else fertile in the usual manner, for example many with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) and XX chromosomes (“ovaries while producing lots of testosterone,” as Clancy et al. imprecisely put it). One study reported normal pregnancy rates among XX CAH individuals. Unsurprisingly, the medical literature classifies these people as female. Unlike those with CAIS and CAH, people who belonged to a genuine “third sex” would make their own special contribution to reproduction.

“Sex is culturally constructed”

“Biology is not binary” fails to establish that there are more than two sexes. Still, the news that sex is “culturally constructed” sounds pretty exciting. How do Clancy et al. argue for that?

There is a prior problem. Nowhere do Clancy et al. say what “Sex is culturally constructed” means. What’s more, the essay thoroughly conflates the issue of the number of sexes with the issue about cultural construction. Whatever “cultural construction” means, presumably culture could “construct” two sexes. (The Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan were literally constructed, and there were exactly two of them.) Conversely, the discovery of an extra sex would not show that sex was culturally constructed, any more than the discovery of an extra flavor of quark would show that fundamental particles are culturally constructed.

Clancy et al. drop a hint at the start of the section titled “Sex is Culturally Constructed.” “Definitions and signifiers of gender,” they say, “differ across cultures… but sex is often viewed as a static, universal truth.” (If you want to know what they mean by “gender,” you’re out of luck.) That suggests that the cultural construction of sex amounts to the “definitions and signifiers” of sex differing between times and places. This is confirmed by the following passage: “[T]here is another way we can see that sex is culturally constructed: The ways collections of traits are interpreted as sex can and have differed across time and cultures.” What’s more, in an article called “Is sex socially constructed?”, Clune-Taylor says that this (or something close to it) is one sense in which sex is socially constructed (i.e. culturally constructed).

The problem here is that “Sex is culturally constructed” (as Clancy et al. apparently understand “cultural construction”) is almost trivially true, and not denied by anyone. If “X is culturally constructed” means something like “Ideas of X and theories of X change between times and places,” then almost anything which has preoccupied humans will be culturally constructed. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are culturally constructed: the ancients thought they revolved around the Earth and represented different gods. Dinosaurs are culturally constructed: our ideas of them are constantly changing, and are influenced by politics as well as new scientific discoveries. Likewise, sex is culturally constructed: Aristotle thought that in reproduction male semen produces a new embryo from female menstrual blood, as “a bed comes into being from the carpenter and the wood.” We now have a different theory.

Naturally one must distinguish the claim that dinosaurs are changing (they used to be covered only in scales, now they have feathers) from the claim that our ideas of dinosaurs are changing (we used to think that dinosaurs only have scales, now we think they have feathers). It would be fallacious to move from the premise that dinosaurs are culturally constructed (in Clancy et al.’s sense) to the conclusion that dinosaurs themselves have changed, or that there are no “static, universal truths” about dinosaurs. It would be equally fallacious to move from the premise that sex is culturally constructed to the claim that there are no “static, universal truths” about sex. (One such truth, for example, is that there are two sexes.) Nonetheless, Clancy et al. seem to commit exactly this fallacy, in denying (as they put it) that “sex is…a static, universal truth.”

To pile falsity on top of fallacy, when Clancy et al. give an example of how our ideas about sex have changed, their choice could hardly be more misleading. According to them:

The prevailing theory from classical times into the 19th century was that there is only one sex. According to this model, the only true sex is male, and females are inverted, imperfect distortions of males.

This historical account was famously defended in a 1990 book, Making Sex, by the UC Berkeley historian Thomas Laqueur. What Clancy et al. don’t tell us is that Laqueur’s history has come under heavy criticism; in particular, it is politely eviscerated at length in The One-Sex Body on Trial, by the classicist Helen King. It is apparent from Clune-Taylor’s other work that she knows of King’s book, which makes Clancy et al.’s unqualified assertion of Laqueur’s account even more puzzling.

“Defining sex is difficult”

Aristotle knew there were two sexes without having a satisfactory definition of what it is to be male or female. The question of how to define sex (equivalently, what sex is) should be separated from the question of whether sex is binary. So even if Clancy et al. are wrong about the number of sexes, they might yet be right that sex is difficult to define.

Why do they think it is difficult to define? Here’s their reason:

There are many factors that define sex, including chromosomes, hormones, gonads, genitalia, and gametes (reproductive cells). But with so many variables, and so much variation within each variable, it is difficult to pin down one definition of sex.

Readers of Reality’s Last Stand will be familiar with the fact that chromosomes and hormones (for example) do not define sex. The sex-changing Asian sheepshead wrasse does not change its chromosomes. Interestingly, the sex hormones (androgens and estrogens) are found in plants, although they do not appear to function as hormones. How could the over-educated authors have written that “there are many factors that define sex,” without a single one of them objecting?

That question is particularly salient because the textbook account of sex is in Clancy et al.’s very own bibliography. In the biologist Joan Roughgarden’s Evolution’s Rainbow there’s a section called “Male and Female Defined.” If you crack the book open, you can’t miss it.

Roughgarden writes:

To a biologist, “male” means making small gametes, and “female” means making large gametes. Period! By definition, the smaller of the two gametes is called a sperm, and the larger an egg. Beyond gamete size, biologists don’t recognize any other universal difference between male and female.

“Making” does not mean currently producing, but (something like) has the function to make. Surely one of Clancy et al. must have read Roughgarden’s book! (Again from her other work we know that Clune-Taylor has.) To avoid going round and round this depressing mulberry bush again, let’s leave it here.

“Sex is defined in a lot of ways in science”

Perhaps sex is not a single thing, and there are different definitions for the different kinds of sex. The standard gamete-definition of sex is useful for some purposes; other researchers will find one of the alternative definitions more productive. Clancy et al. might endorse this conciliatory position. They certainly think that a multiplicity of definitions is good scientific practice: “In science, how sex is defined for a particular study is based on what organism is being studied and what question is being asked.”

Leaving aside whether this fits actual practice, as a recommendation it is wrong-headed. Research needs to be readily compared and combined. A review paper on sexual selection might draw on studies of very different species, each asking different questions. If the definition of sex (male and female) changes between studies, then synthesizing the data would be fraught with complications and potential errors, because one study is about males/females-in-sense-1, another is about males/females-in-sense-2, and so on.

Indeed, “Biology is not binary” itself shows that the authors don’t really believe that “male” and “female” are used in science with multiple senses. They freely use “sex,” “male,” and “female” without pausing to disambiguate, or explain just which of the many alleged senses of these words they have in mind. If “sex is defined a lot of ways in science” then the reader should wonder what Clancy et al. are talking about.

In an especially odd passage, they write that the “criteria for defining sex will differ in studies of mushrooms, orangutans, and humans.” That is sort-of-true for mushrooms, which mate using mating types, not sperm and eggs. (Mating types are sometimes called “sexes,” but sometimes not.) However, it’s patently untrue for orangutans and humans, as the biologist Jerry Coyne points out.

Orangutans had featured earlier in the saga of the AAA cancellation, when Clancy and Fuentes had bizarrely suggested that the “three forms of the adult orangutan” present a challenge to the “sex binary,” seemingly forgetting that these three forms comprise females and two kinds of males. Kathleen Lowrey had some fun at their expense.

As if this tissue of confusion isn’t enough, Clancy et al. take one final plunge off the deep end. After mentioning osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, they write:

[P]eople experiencing similar sex-related conditions may not always fit in the same sex category. Consider polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common metabolic condition affecting about 8 to 13 percent of those with ovaries, which often causes them to produce more androgens than those without this condition. There are increasing numbers of people with PCOS who self-define as intersex, whereas others identify as female.

They seem to believe that two people with PCOS might not “fit in the same sex category.” That is, one person could be female while the other isn’t, with this alchemy accomplished by “self-definition.” PCOS, in case you were wondering, is a condition that only affects females or, in the approved lingo of the Cleveland Clinic, “people assigned female at birth.”

How could four accomplished and qualified professors produce such—not to mince words—unadulterated rubbish?

There are many social incentives these days for denouncing the sex binary, and academics—even those at the finest universities—are no more resistant to their pressure than anyone else. However, unlike those outside the ivory tower, academics have a powerful arsenal of carefully curated sources and learned jargon, as well as credentials and authority. They may deploy their weapons in the service of—as they see it—equity and inclusion for all.

It would be “bad science,” Clancy et al. write at the end, to “ignore and exclude” “individuals who are part of nature.” In this case, though, Clancy et al.’s firepower is directed at established facts, and the collateral damage may well include those people they most want to help.

About the Author

Alex Byrne is a Professor of Philosophy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy. His main interests are philosophy of mind (especially perception), metaphysics (especially color) and epistemology (especially self-knowledge). A few years ago, Byrne started working on philosophical issues relating to sex and gender. His book on these topics, Trouble with Gender: Sex Facts, Gender Fictions, is now available in the US and UK.

The whole "social construction," "cultural construction" thing is idiotic.

Not only does it mean you would be a different sex in a different society/culture, but it becomes necessary that cross-cultural/cross-societal reproduction is fraught with complications.

#Alex Byrne #sex pseudoscience #pseudoscience #sex denialism #biological sex #reproduction #biology #human reproduction #queer theory #religion is a mental illness

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welcome-to-green-hills · 2 months

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What’s the difference between an anthropologist and an archaeologist? 😃 And what do archaeologists do when they’re not digging at excavation sites?

Oooh! Okay!❤️🤩❤️

An anthropologist is a scientist who studies human beings. The ask questions like, “what makes us human?” And “How can we define ourselves as human?”

We ask these questions through four (or five if you want to get technical) categories:

Linguistics

Cultural and Social Development

Biology

Archaeology (ME!)

and Applied Anthropology

Linguistics pretty much answers how languages not only changed through time, but how they’ve influenced culture and changes in society. It’s pretty common to have Linguistic Anthropologists work in a language lab where they play with words all day. They also make it a point to connect language with reading. If you ever talk to a linguistic anthropologist, ask them about cranial cap ripples.

Biological anthropologists help with the biological and organic portion of humans and nonhumans. You get primatologists (primates), forensic experts, retired doctors, paleontologists (human evolution), molecular scientists, and those that practice alternative methods of medicine. If you ever meet a biological anthropologist, as them how many ways to Sunday you can study teeth.

Cultural Anthropologists is very open in interpretation. I say that because it’s always advancing in its field with new discoveries every day. Cultural anthropologists study social groups. They immerse themselves in artwork, written/spoken literature, music, humanities, material goods, women’s rights, gender and sexuality. and social engagement. Kinda like how it’s a Tumblr norm to say, “I like your shoelaces. Thanks, I got them from the president.” They learn behaviors and manners, physical and non-physical telling of what makes that society function. If you ever meet a cultural anthropologist, ask them what their favorite cultural greeting.

Archaeology is a field in anthropology that’s commonly classified as a “historical science.” We use the scientific method to answer questions about the past and continuously ask “why?” We’re not Indiana Jones, many of us frown upon the comparison. We’re environmentally conscious of what we do when looking through historical records and digging at different sites. You need an understanding of history, linguistics, biology, and cultural practices for what site you work at. When archaeologists aren’t digging, they’re considered “shovel bums.” They travel around from one agency to the next (if they’re freelance) and dig year-round. We practically live out of a suitcase. I’m one of the lucky ones. I’m not a shovel bum. I’ve made my archaeological work through museums and conservation labs.

Applied Anthropology is a newer branch in anthropology. They ask the question, “now what!?” They look for practical solutions. They question a bit more and ask, “now what do we do? How can we make this more efficient for humans?” If you ever meet someone in this field, ask them their stance on Cyber-Anthropology (I.E., video games, AI, robots). You’ll get a mixed bag, but you might come out wiser.

SAPIENS.ORG is an anthropological magazine that’s designed for anthropologists, as well as those who are learning/interested in the field. Free subscription. Scope them out if you’re interested! And know that I’m always up for chatting about it here. I know that I’ve gotten some DMs from y’all wanting to know more about it. Know that my inbox is open.

#I hope this helped you my dear #mystery anon #off topic #I am an anthropologist #I am an archaeologist

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cheerfullycatholic · 14 days

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The Church wishes, first of all, “to reaffirm that every person, regardless of sexual orientation, ought to be respected in his or her dignity and treated with consideration, while ‘every sign of unjust discrimination’ is to be carefully avoided, particularly any form of aggression and violence.”[101] For this reason, it should be denounced as contrary to human dignity the fact that, in some places, not a few people are imprisoned, tortured, and even deprived of the good of life solely because of their sexual orientation.

At the same time, the Church highlights the definite critical issues present in gendertheory. On this point, Pope Francis has reminded us that “the path to peace calls for respect for human rights, in accordance with the simple yet clear formulation contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, whose seventy-fifth anniversary we recently celebrated. These principles are self-evident and commonly accepted. Regrettably, in recent decades, attempts have been made to introduce new rights that are neither fully consistent with those originally defined nor always acceptable. They have led to instances of ideological colonization, in which gender theory plays a central role; the latter is extremely dangerous since it cancels differences in its claim to make everyone equal.”[102]

Regarding gender theory, whose scientific coherence is the subject of considerable debate among experts, the Church recalls that human life in all its dimensions, both physical and spiritual, is a gift from God. This gift is to be accepted with gratitude and placed at the service of the good. Desiring a personal self-determination, as gender theory prescribes, apart from this fundamental truth that human life is a gift, amounts to a concession to the age-old temptation to make oneself God, entering into competition with the true God of love revealed to us in the Gospel.

Another prominent aspect of gender theory is that it intends to deny the greatest possible difference that exists between living beings: sexual difference. This foundational difference is not only the greatest imaginable difference but is also the most beautiful and most powerful of them. In the male-female couple, this difference achieves the most marvelous of reciprocities. It thus becomes the source of that miracle that never ceases to surprise us: the arrival of new human beings in the world.

In this sense, respect for both one’s own body and that of others is crucial in light of the proliferation of claims to new rights advanced by gender theory. This ideology “envisages a society without sexual differences, thereby eliminating the anthropological basis of the family.”[103] It thus becomes unacceptable that “some ideologies of this sort, which seek to respond to what are at times understandable aspirations, manage to assert themselves as absolute and unquestionable, even dictating how children should be raised. It needs to be emphasized that ‘biological sex and the socio-cultural role of sex (gender) can be distinguished but not separated.’”[104] Therefore, all attempts to obscure reference to the ineliminable sexual difference between man and woman are to be rejected: “We cannot separate the masculine and the feminine from God’s work of creation, which is prior to all our decisions and experiences, and where biological elements exist which are impossible to ignore.”[105] Only by acknowledging and accepting this difference in reciprocity can each person fully discover themselves, their dignity, and their identity.

Dignitas Infinita, paragraphs 55, 56, 57 ,58 and 59

#catholicism #catholic church #church document #dignitas infinita #pope francis #gender theory

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ucsdhealthsciences · 2 years

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Tome Sweet Tome

The surfaces of all cells in nature are festooned with a complex and diverse array of sugar chains (called glycans). These perform a wide variety of biological functions, from the proper folding of proteins to cell-to-cell interactions. Their ubiquity in nature underscores their essentialness to complex life.

This week, the fourth edition of “Essentials of Glycobiology” (the study of glycans) was published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. It’s a continuation and updating of landmark work by a consortium of editors, led by Ajit Varki, MD, Distinguished Professor in the departments of Medicine and Cellular and Molecular Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine, with contributions from a number of UC San Diego scientists and physicians, including Jeffrey D. Esko, PhD, Distinguished Professor of cellular and molecular medicine; Pascal Gagneux, PhD, professor of pathology and anthropology, and Kamil Godula, PhD, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and Amanda Lewis PhD, professor of obstetrics-gynecology and reproductive science.

Varki and Esko are also founding directors of the Glycobiology Research and Training Center (GRTC) at UC San Diego, established in 1999, and have recently handed over leadership to Lewis and Godula.

Glycobiology is a relatively new scientific discipline. The term was only coined in 1988, recognizing the combining of carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry to focus on glycans, which have since proven to have a multitude of diverse and often critical roles in biology.

They have been linked to human origins and as a key evolutionary marker. They are found to both inhibit and promote tumor growth; and the presence of a particular sialic acid in red meat may be linked to increased cancer risk in humans. Another class of glycans called glycosaminoglycans have been shown by Esko and colleagues to be involved in COVID-19 coronavirus pathogenesis. The cover of the fourth edition presents an all-atom model of infamous spike protein of the pandemic virus, emphasizing the massive array of glycan chains modelled by UC San Diego professor of biology Rommie Amaro.

Varki, Esko and colleagues at the GRTC have been central to many of the advances in glycobiology, and the textbook, which originally debuted in 1999, has been an enduring effort to broadly introduce and describe the rapidly changing discipline.

For example, the second edition of “Essentials of Glycobiology,” published in 2008, appeared simultaneously in print from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, and free online to reach a wider audience. Subsequent editions have also been free online at the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the National Library of Medicine.

“This approach ensures that everyone, from the layperson to the high school student to the graduate student in a developing country, has free access to the knowledge the book contains, while increasing awareness of the availability of a printed edition that may be more suitable for some readers’ requirements,” said Varki at the time.

— Scott LaFee

Pictured above: In this electron micrograph, the surface of a bacterium is fuzzy with a coating of glycans.

#science #medicine #glycobiology #glyans #coronavirus #spike protien #human evolution #cancer #cellular and molecular medicine #pathology #cell biology #molecular biology #academic medicine #chemistry #biochem #uc san diego #ucsd

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kissagii · 2 years

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hi ness!! i hope you’re doing well! i’d like to put in a request for a romantic haikyuu matchup if that’s okay :3

my name is alaska, i’m non-binary (they/them) and i’m 20. i am studying geoenvironmental science and anthropology, hoping to specialize in paleoenvironments and/or biological anthropology (big words for “i like really old stuff”). i’m very into the science of all nature, so biology, ecology, environmental science, geology, all that good stuff.

i am also autistic and have pretty severe social anxiety, so when i first meet people, i’m extremely shy/awkward. like, the worst ever. i’m the biggest introvert, unless you start talking to me about one of my special interests (geology, manga/anime, art) in which case i will not shut up. once i become very comfortable with someone, though, i can be quite loud and obnoxious. i can seem rather closed-off and cold, but really i’m just a big baby (i don’t like to show it though :/). i struggle a lot with sensory issues and social situations, so having someone to cling onto and kind-of be able to tell how i’m feeling w/o me having to say it would be a dream.

i’m also very into heavy metal and all things punk, but i also love super sappy indie music that makes me believe in true love (lol). i love to go to museums of all types and do anything nature related, whether it’s just walking in the woods, rock climbing, kayaking, or whatever.

i have very short, brown, curly hair, blue eyes, glasses, freckles, a nose ring, stretched ears, and a good amount of tattoos, most of which are stick and poke that i did myself. my style is a mix between 90s grunge (really baggy clothes, old band shirts, etc.) and like, a grandpa. huge sweaters are my jam. almost all of my outfits either include an anime shirt, a band shirt, or massive amounts of army green.

i hope that is a good enough description and wasn’t too long or short! thank you so much in advance!! :) <3

of course! i love your vibe so much

i match you with...

𝕜𝕖𝕚𝕛𝕚 𝕒𝕜𝕒𝕒𝕤𝕙𝕚

#{🌼 - wildflowers}#haikyuu matchup #haikyuu matchups #hq matchups #hq matchup #akaashi #akaashi keiji

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wisdomfish · 2 years

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The Individualist

Jenner’s anthropology is similarly dehumanizing. Consider his statement, “I am a woman trapped in a man’s body.” How did our society get to the point that this statement is considered meaningful or coherent? The story of the individualist, as Carl Trueman has shown, traces back to Sigmund Freud and his belief that society is mired in the problem of repression. The truest thing about the individual, in this view, is his or her desires, especially sexual desires, and while we must repress such desires to prevent society from collapsing into chaos, this comes as the cost of individual fulfillment. By this view, the human person creates her identity by staying true to her repressed desires, showing that the human person is fundamentally plastic. To find liberation, individuals must say “to hell with society and its mores” and unlock their true selves by turning inward to discover how they can set free the person they were truly meant to be.

The chaos this brings is legion. Herbert Marcuse, a disciple of both the revolutionary Marx and the therapeutic Freud, held that all social and moral barriers to full sexual expression inhibit the individual’s liberation. He envisioned a society unhindered by the nuclear family, monogamy, and even the notion of biological sex imparting anything normative to our gender identity. Decades later, we are all Marcusean, or at least we all inhabit the rubble of his individualistic revolution.

Despite the insistence of the Jenners of this world that what matters most is the individual, rather than the collective good, they have all drunk deep of the victim polarity devised by Marx and his disciples. Anyone who stands in the way of individualist self-expression is deemed an oppressive bigot on the wrong side of history. The march of culture is held religiously to be one towards a utopia in which the animalistic desires of the individual reign supreme and any persons who think humans possess a stable nature given by God at creation must be silenced or told: “get thyself to the ghetto.” The revolution is coming for us all and our children.

For Jenner, the God all must worship is authenticity, defined by personal desires. Evil is all “inauthenticity” and the repression of authenticity takes the shape of cake baking, health forms, and children’s clothing sections separated into neat sections of “girls” and “boys.” For the Individualist, redemption is only realized when society coerces the wholesale approval of a person’s deep desire, no matter how libidinous or non-sensical. The Individualist Church is composed of activist groups roaming the streets and policing Twitter profiles, encouraging all to partake of the sacrament of celebration at the mutilation of boys’ genitals and the binding of little girls’ breasts, and so find self-righteous purity from the stain of heteronormativity. The Priests of this slavering carnival of horrors are our celebrities and faux intellectuals, cheering the cancellation of all who stand in the way of progress.

As an ideology that embraces radical self-expression as the highest moral good, its ethic is strictly utilitarian. Whatever furthers the movement and advances the sexual revolution, no matter how culturally transgressive, is the only ground for certain truth. Accordingly, those who ally themselves to the movement are said to be on the right side of history, which functions as its final eschatological vision. History has meaning not from any transcendent source such as God and universal truths, but because it marches progressively toward the goals determined by the movement’s ideologues. The only meaning to be found in historical occurrences, therefore, is self-conjured, created from within by one’s longings and lusts.

~ Bruce Ashford

#individualism #jenner #ideology #transgender #self

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chowbina-blog · 1 month

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Forensic Science: Unveiling the Secrets Behind Crime

For students in India seeking a stimulating and challenging career path after 12th grade, forensic science offers a unique blend of science, criminal justice, and problem-solving. This interdisciplinary field applies principles and techniques from biology, chemistry, physics, and other natural sciences to analyze evidence and solve crimes.

Unveiling the Educational Pathway

Most universities in India offer a 3-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) program in Forensic Science after 12th grade. The curriculum covers foundational areas like forensic chemistry, toxicology, ballistics, fingerprinting, DNA profiling, and crime scene investigation and documentation. Students gain a working knowledge of scientific theories and laboratory techniques through classroom lectures and hands-on laboratory practicals.

Those with a keen interest and a strong foundation in science can pursue a 2-year Master of Science (MSc) program in Forensic Science. This postgraduate program allows for specialization in a particular sub-discipline of forensic science, such as:

Forensic Anthropology: Examining skeletal remains to determine identity, cause of death, and time since death.

Forensic Psychology: Applying psychological principles to criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

Cyber Forensics: Investigating crimes that involve digital evidence.

Questioned Document Analysis: Examining documents to determine their authenticity and identify forgeries.

A World of Career Opportunities Awaits

A degree in forensic science opens doors to a diverse range of exciting career opportunities across various sectors:

Forensic Science Laboratory Analyst: Analyze evidence in a laboratory setting, such as biological fluids, fibers, drugs, and materials.

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI): Respond to crime scenes, collect and preserve evidence, and document the scene.

Ballistics Expert: Examine firearms and ammunition to determine their origin and link them to crimes.

Forensic Toxicologist: Analyze biological samples to detect the presence of drugs and poisons.

Fingerprint Examiner: Analyze fingerprints lifted from crime scenes to identify suspects.

DNA Analyst: Process and analyze DNA evidence to link suspects to crime scenes or exonerate the innocent.

Forensic Document Examiner: Analyze questioned documents to determine their authenticity and identify forgeries.

Forensic Psychologist: Provide psychological expertise in criminal investigations and legal proceedings, assess offenders, and evaluate victims.

University Researchers and Professors: Contribute to the advancement of forensic science through research and teaching future generations of forensic scientists.

The Growing Demand for Forensic Professionals

With the increasing application of forensic science in criminal investigations and the legal system, the demand for skilled forensic science professionals is on the rise in India. This demand is being fueled by factors such as:

Growing awareness of the importance of forensic science in the criminal justice system

Advancements in forensic technologies

The increasing complexity of crimes, which often involve digital evidence

A Rewarding Career Path for Science Enthusiasts

A career in forensic science is ideal for students with a passion for science, an analytical mind, and a keen eye for detail. It offers the opportunity to play a vital role in the criminal justice system by helping to solve crimes, bring perpetrators to justice, and exonerate the innocent. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career path that makes a real difference in the world, then forensic science is definitely worth considering.

Additional Tips

Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills: Forensic scientists frequently collaborate with law enforcement officers, attorneys, and other professionals. The ability to communicate complex scientific information in a clear and concise manner is essential.

Gain practical experience through internships: Many universities and forensic science laboratories offer internship opportunities for students. These internships provide valuable hands-on experience and can help you solidify your career goals.

Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in forensic science: The field of forensic science is constantly evolving, with new technologies and techniques being developed all the time. It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements through continuing education and professional development opportunities.

With a degree in forensic science and a commitment to professional development, you can forge a successful and fulfilling career in this fascinating field.

#forensics #india #career

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xtruss · 2 months

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New Study On Decomposing Microbes Could Help Transform Forensic Science

— By Colorado State University | February 12, 2024

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

For the first time, researchers have identified what appears to be a network of approximately 20 microbes that universally drive the decomposition of animal flesh. The findings have significant implications for the future of forensic science, including the potential to provide crime scene investigators with a more precise way to determine a body's time of death.

"It's really cool that there are these microbes that always show up to decompose animal remains," said Colorado State University Associate Professor Jessica Metcalf, the senior author on the new work published in Nature Microbiology. "Hopefully, we're busting open this whole new area of ecological research."

Decomposition of dead biological material is one of Earth's most fundamental processes. Organic plant waste accounts for the vast majority of matter that is decomposed, a process that is relatively well understood. Comparatively little, however, is known about the ecology of vertebrate decomposition, including humans, and better understanding how humans decompose has the potential to advance forensic science.

This new study, a multi-year undertaking, involved decomposing 36 cadavers at three different forensic anthropological facilities—the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Sam Houston State University; and Colorado Mesa University. The bodies were decomposed in different climates and during all four seasons. The research team then collected skin and soil samples during the first 21 days for each decomposing body.

Metcalf and her colleagues generated a significant amount of molecular and genomic information from the samples. They then used that information to construct an overall picture of the "microbial community," or microbiome, present at each site. "Essentially," Metcalf said, "what microbes are there, how did they get there, how does that change over time and what are they doing."

Surprisingly, she said, regardless of climate or soil type, researchers found the same set of approximately 20 specialist decomposing microbes on all 36 bodies. What's more, those microbes arrived like clockwork at certain points throughout the 21-day observation period, and insects played a key role in their arrival.

"We see similar microbes arrive at similar times during decomposition, regardless of any number of outdoor variables you can think of," Metcalf said.

A Future In Forensics

Identifying the decomposing microbiome's consistent makeup and timing has important implications for forensic science.

Using machine learning techniques and data from the new study, as well as previous work, Metcalf and her collaborators—David Carter, professor of forensic sciences at Chaminade University of Honolulu, and Rob Knight, director of the Center for Microbiome Innovation at the University of California San Diego—built a tool that can accurately predict a body's time since death, also known as the postmortem interval.

"When you're talking about investigating death scenes, there are very few types of physical evidence you can guarantee will be present at every scene," Carter said. "You never know if there will be fingerprints, or bloodstains or camera footage. But the microbes will always be there."

What's more, these microbes can be particularly useful, Carter said, under the types of conditions examined in the new study. "We're talking about outdoor death scenes," he said. "It can be difficult to gather information in those types of investigations."

The director of the National Institute of Justice, Nancy La Vigne, views the research as particularly promising. "One of the principal questions of any death investigation is 'when did this person die?'" La Vigne said. "This continuing line of ... research is showing promising results for predicting time of death of human remains, aiding in identification of the decedent, determining potential suspects and confirmation or refutation of alibis."

In addition to identifying the universal decomposers, the research team also attempted to determine where this microbial community came from. Notably, Metcalf said, they couldn't find the microbes in soil microbiome databases or catalogs of human skin and gut microbiomes. They did, however, find the universal decomposers on insects. "It seems like the insects are bringing the microbes in," Metcalf said.

Other Research Applications

These latest findings build on more than a decade of work by Metcalf, Carter and Knight, including an early study that involved decomposing mice on different soils in a controlled lab setting as well as a follow-up that involved decomposing four cadavers at the Sam Houston State facility. Zach Burcham, a former CSU postdoctoral student in Metcalf's lab, helped lead the latest work.

"This research was a huge collaborative effort from a diverse team of highly knowledgeable scientists—a shining example of what can be accomplished when interdisciplinary teams join forces towards a common goal," Burcham said. "This dataset is truly one of a kind, with broad-ranging impacts from microbial ecology to forensic science."

In addition to the forensic applications, Metcalf sees other opportunities to put this new information to use. "I see a lot of potential applications across agriculture and food industries," said Metcalf, who is in CSU's Department of Animal Sciences.

Metcalf also intends to expand her research in this field, including potentially looking at the differences in the microbial ecology of small and large vertebrates. "I feel like we're opening a whole lot of avenues in basic ecology and nutrient cycling," Metcalf said.

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andamantourspackages · 6 months

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Introduction to the Andaman Islands

Nestled in the lap of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are an Indian archipelago consisting of 572 islands and islets. Of these, only a few are open to tourists. The Andaman Tours are known for their untouched natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. The islands are a haven for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those in search of tranquility.

2. Getting to Andaman: Your Journey Begins

To reach this tropical paradise, you can take a flight to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Alternatively, there are passenger ships that connect the islands with mainland India. Plan your journey well in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.

3. The Breathtaking Beaches of Andaman

The Andaman Islands are renowned for their stunning beaches, each with its unique charm. Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island often ranks among the best beaches in Asia. The silky white sand and turquoise waters create a picturesque setting that's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.

4. Unveiling the Marine Wonderland

Andaman's underwater world is nothing short of enchanting. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities here, allowing you to witness the vibrant coral gardens and a plethora of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks in some areas.

5. Exploring Andaman's Tribal Heritage

The Andaman Islands are home to indigenous tribes with fascinating cultures and traditions. The Great Andamanese, Jarwa, and Sentinelese tribes have inhabited these islands for centuries. While visiting tribal areas is restricted, you can learn about their culture and history at the Anthropological Museum in Port Blair.

6. Delicious Andaman Cuisine

Savor the flavors of Andaman with its unique cuisine. Seafood lovers will be in paradise, with dishes like fish curry, crab, and prawns served with coconut milk and local spices. Don't forget to try traditional dishes like "Bamboo Chicken" and "Fish Amritsari."

7. Adventurous Activities for Thrill-Seekers

For adventure enthusiasts, Andaman offers activities like trekking in the lush forests, parasailing, jet skiing, and sea walking. The thrill of exploring limestone caves and mud volcanoes is an experience you won't forget.

8. Andaman's Wildlife Encounters

The islands are not just about beaches and water sports; they also offer unique wildlife experiences. Visit the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park to see the dugong, a gentle marine mammal, and explore the Chidiya Tapu Biological Park to spot various bird species.

9. Shopping and Souvenirs

Andaman is a shopper's delight with its bustling markets. Purchase shell crafts, pearl jewelry, and local artifacts as souvenirs. Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair is a great place to shop for these treasures.

10. Weather and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Andaman is from October to April when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities. Monsoons should be avoided due to heavy rainfall and choppy seas.

11. Accommodation Options for Every Budget

Andaman offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Havelock Island, Neil Island, and Port Blair have numerous choices to suit every traveler's preferences and budget.

12. Transportation Within the Islands

To explore the islands, you can hire taxis, rent scooters, or use government-operated buses. Ferries and boats are the primary mode of transportation between islands.

13. Safety Tips and Precautions

While Andaman is a safe destination, it's important to follow safety guidelines for water activities and respect the local culture and environment. Ensure you have the necessary permits for restricted areas.

14. Andaman's Sustainability Initiatives

The Andaman Islands are committed to preserving their pristine environment. Several eco-friendly initiatives are in place to protect the fragile ecosystem, such as beach clean-up drives and responsible tourism practices.

15. Conclusion: Andaman - A Memory to Cherish Forever

Visiting the Andaman Islands is like stepping into a paradise on Earth. Its breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and thrilling adventures make it a destination that promises memories you'll treasure forever.

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booksir · 10 months

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Concise, well-balanced, and comprehensive, ESSENTIALS OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Seventh Edition introduces you to physical anthropology with the goal of helping you understand the big picture of human evolution. Supported by vibrant visuals that include abundant illustrations, photographs, and photo-enhanced maps, the text focuses on human evolution and biology to help you master basic biological principles of physical anthropology so you’ll be able to better understand human origins and our place in the biological world. Offering balanced coverage of the topic areas you’ll cover in class (heredity and evolution, primates, hominid evolution, and contemporary human evolution) this edition emphasizes the chronology of fossil finds instead of just describing the fossils and the sites where they were found. The authors also interpret each fossil within the framework of the story of human evolution. New features like “Why It Matters” further emphasize the fossils’ evolutionary significance, and often even propose the relevance of chapter materials to our everyday lives. The seventh edition provides thorough coverage of cutting-edge advances in molecular biology and expanded coverage of population biology and human variation. It also includes powerful learning tools, including a robust text website. Altogether, ESSENTIALS OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Seventh Edition, integrates up-to-date coverage of the latest finds and relevant technologies in a format and writing style designed to help all students master the material.

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ahz-associates · 11 months

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Find UK Universities for Archaeology in 2023 | AHZ Associates

Overview

Together, anthropology and archaeology cover the study of humanity from the earliest members of the human species to the present. The two fields of study have a lengthy history. Prehistoric studies emerged from 18th-century antiquarianism, although anthropology began far earlier, generally during extended periods of pilgrimage. The two topics now cover a wide range of complex approaches that have been taught to the arts, social sciences, and physical sciences.

The Department of Archeology's students are crucial for a distinct investigation locale. Archaeology, Assyriology, Biological Anthropology, and Egyptology are all included in our course. Because of its mobility, you can either start practising in Year 1 or choose a broad foundation before focusing on up to two disciplines from the following year.

Honours Archaeology Programmes in the UK

Universities like Oxford offer this study as a two-year undergraduate programme. Each year is divided into three terms, during which time students will alternately attend a number of weekly evening sessions, some field trips on Saturdays, as well as fieldwork and workshops. A one-week course of fieldwork will be required to wrap up the first year.

However, most universities create their courses in a three-year curriculum using the following structure:

The courses that will be taught on the undergraduate level are-

Introduction to world archaeology

Introduction to anthropological theory

Perspectives on human evolution

The nature of archaeological and anthropological enquiry

Social analysis and interpretation

Cultural representations, beliefs and practices

Landscape and ecology

Urbanism and society- etc.

Masters Programs in Archaeology in the UK

On archaeology course in post graduate level, students will cover these subjects along with the regular field trips and dissertation-

Professional Skills in Archaeology

Advanced Project

Discovering the Past with Molecular Science

Advanced Zooarchaeology

Zooarchaeology

Funerary Osteoarcheology

Researching the Historic Environment Online- and many more.

Archaeology courses in UK universities

The following prestigious colleges that offer archaeology courses are listed by QS and THE (Times Higher Education) rankings:

University of Oxford.

University of Cambridge.

University College London, UCL.

Durham University.

University of York.

University of Edinburgh.

University of Sheffield.

University of Reading.

Requirements for entry

Candidates should be aware that Archeology's graduate admissions procedure is fiercely competitive.

IELTS score: 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each module.

TOEFL: A score of at least 90 overall and at least 23 in writing.

PTE Academic: Overall score of 62, with a minimum score of 59 in each module.

The English Language test report are suggested to be valid on the course start date because some English language proficiency test results (like the IELTS) can only be two years old.

One must be able to demonstrate English language ability at the University's standard or higher level in order to enrol in this course.

Minimum A-level requirements or equivalent for undergraduate study.

Applications from mature (over 21) students may not have continued their education to earn level 3 certificates.

Postgraduate Requirements:

It is recommended, but not required, for candidates to have an Honours degree in archaeology with a 2:1 standard, or without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 scores in their final two years of study from a reputable university in a comparable discipline.

A group of academic experts and university recruiting officials evaluate each application. As part of their application, candidates must include a CV (Resume) or documentation of their professional registration. Along with all diplomas and academic records, a statement of purpose (SOP) of 4,000 characters shall be submitted with the language competence certificate.

Fees and Scholarships:

International students can take advantage of numerous scholarships and funding opportunities at UK universities for postgraduate studies. Depending on whether a person's qualifications meet the university's requirements, scholarships, grants, and on-campus positions may be offered. Most universities provide financial support for fieldwork. Students may decide to carry out further fieldwork as part of their dissertation for their senior year. Aside from that, the university's museums provide additional options, like work-based learning.

Several of the scholarships offered are: Scholarships from the Commonwealth for Developing Commonwealth Nations Scholarships for Masters in the Commonwealth Chevening Scholarship in the UK academic awards for excellence Women in STEM are eligible for a British Council scholarship, as well as numerous other departmental and university awards. In addition to scholarships, students may qualify for a number of other programmes depending on university funding and requirements. Which are:

Employability after Art Gallery and Museum Studies

According to data released by the UK talent, a freshly certified curator in a gallery inside or outside of a metropolis, or in a smaller organisation, may anticipate earning roughly £25,605 per year, and bigger cities will often make more. An undergraduate or graduate degree in this area is also helpful for practitioners who want to work in the fields of art instruction and curation. The following is a list of numerous job opportunities in addition to these:

Academic Research

Collections Management

Curatorship

Exhibition Development

Program Management

Museum Research and beyond

Candidates who are looking for specialised skills will be able to see how much interdisciplinary knowledge is needed for this complicated sector of history and cultural preservation by studying art gallery and museum studies.

#studyinuk #ahzassociatesuk #studyabroad

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qocsuing · 11 months

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Ancient DNA reveals secrets of empire that pushed China to build its Great Wall

A nomadic empire dominated the Asian steppes for three centuries from 200 BC, trading goods on the Silk Road, building elaborate tombs for its dead and conquering distant lands on horseback.To get more news about ancient china women, you can visit shine news official website.

Known as the Xiongnu, the empire saw conflict with great rival imperial China that resulted in the construction of the Great Wall, parts of which still stand today.

However, with no written records save for those produced by Chinese chroniclers who regarded the Xiongnu as barbarians, the empire and its people have long remained in the shadows of history. Now, ancient DNA evidence, combined with the fruits of recent archaeological digs, is spilling the secrets of one of the era’s most powerful political forces.An international team of scientists have completed a genetic investigation of two cemeteries along the western frontier of the Xiongnu empire in what’s now Mongolia: an aristocratic elite cemetery at Takhiltyn Khotgor and a local elite cemetery at Shombuuzyn Belchir.

The scientists sequenced the genomes of 17 individuals buried in the two cemeteries and found an “extremely high” level of genetic diversity, making it likely that the empire was multiethnic, multicultural and multilingual, according to the new study published Friday in the journal Science Advances.

The genetic diversity was found within individual communities, suggesting that the empire wasn’t just a patchwork of homogenous groups united by a common cause.

“We now have a better idea of how the Xiongnu expanded their empire by incorporating disparate groups and leveraging marriage and kinship into empire building,” said senior author Choongwon Jeong, an associate professor of biological sciences at Seoul National University, in a news release.Of the individual graves studied, the ones with the highest status belonged to women, suggesting that they played a particularly powerful role in Xiongnu society. Elaborate coffins featured golden sun and moon emblems that were Xiongnu symbols of power. One tomb contained the remains of six horses and a chariot.

“These elite women possessed the materials not only for displaying their status (e.g., belts and necklaces) but also for enacting power, such as prestigious wares for hosting politicized feasts,” said Bryan Miller, project archaeologist for the study and assistant professor of Central Asian art and archaeology at the University of Michigan.

“They were highly venerated with ample offerings from all those who attended their funerals, demonstrating their continued social importance within their communities throughout their lives,” he said via email.The study also revealed information about the lives of Xiongnu children. Adolescent boys, like men, were buried with bows and arrows. Boys younger than 11 were not.

“Children received differential mortuary treatment depending upon age and sex, giving clues to the ages at which gender and status were ascribed in Xiongnu society,” said study senior author Christina Warinner, associate professor of anthropology at Harvard University and group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, in a statement.Ursula Brosseder, prehistorical archaeologist at the University of Bonn, said the research provided deeper insight into the social fabric and society of the Xiongnu using genetics as a tool.

“I am excited to see more studies of this kind in the future,” said Brosseder, who was not involved in the latest study. “Since I was one of the people who pointed out that mature women were buried with the most prestigious items, I am excited to see that genetics corroborates this view.”

Brosseder added that the Xiongnu had often been misunderstood because most of the information about the regime, and others that originated on the Eurasian steppe, comes from texts from imperial China and ancient Greece, where largely nomadic herders were viewed as inferior.

#ancient china women

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