A Response to Dr. Philip Lancaster's Lecture

Listening to Dr. Lancaster's personal account of his humanitarian involvement overseas in both Burundi and Afghanistan was not only inspirational as a student of anthropology, but also humbling as a Canadian who aspires to be a genuinely productive member of the international community. Possibly a product of an upbringing amid an ethnically diverse society that stresses tolerance and respect, I have always sought a global perspective in my academic direction, which I anticipate will translate …

…were conscious of it, they were incapable of communicating it to those same actors, who ultimately coordinated planning. The ensuing chaos he described was a grim indication that idealistic thinking is not always practical application. The only way one can proceed from such a narrative is to somehow find a balance between the ideal yet convenient and boundless domain of academic proficiency and adhere to the strict and pragmatic adherence that a realistic method necessitates.