Anthropology 150

There is a debate in socio-cultural anthropology about the role of the anthropologist, especially among those who work with indigenous peoples. Many feel that anthropologists should be primarily observers, who record, report, and analyze the way of life among the people that they study. Others feel that anthropologists cannot be simple observers, but must become advocates for indigenous people, and actively aid their struggle to preserve their way of life. Most agree that you can't do both; if you become an advocate you lose the objectivity needed to be analytical. What do you think: should anthropologists strive to be objective, or should be become political and try to help indigenous cultures survive?

100 words