I loved social science so much as a kid that I went on to get a sociology degree and took classes in linguistics and anthropology as well. When you're in school and studying social science, you don't really think that one day you'll be in constant danger pursuing your career. It's not like everyone's an Indiana Jones. But it depends on what path you take, and some stray far from dry academia and really experience the world of other cultures.
And sometimes that can get you killed.
US anthropologist set on fire by Afghan dies
Paula Loyd, 36, was an anthropologist who was embedded with the US military to help soldiers better understand the customs of the populace. Two months ago she was talking to a man about fuel prices when he suddenly doused her with burning fuel and set her afire. She suffered second- and third-degree burns on 60% of her body.
A graduate of Wellesley in cultural anthropology, she travelled extensively abroad and served in the army reserve in Bosnia.
My thoughts are with her family and colleagues. She must have suffered greatly--burns are a terrible thing. And it was just so senseless.
| Unshelved | by Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum |
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