I have never written a position paper before, I am used to
presenting my perspective after researching a topic without looking at both
sides of the coin. This is new territory, but very valuable learning. Normally I
would have a topic and be presenting the information after much critical
analysis, but this position paper requires me to take a position on a certain
topic. In order to do this I need to know both sides of the debate, which is a
valuable learning experience as it’s impossible to make assumptions or lean
toward a particular view until both sides of the debate have been thoroughly
investigated.
I began my search for information using the Massey library
looking for general information on organ donation, as I was not sure which way I
was going to argue. My search found several books about organ donation in New
Zealand. As I considered my topic more fully, I narrowed down my focus
specifically to look at the, Maori population in New Zealand, as I felt this
was fitting in the local context. So I further used the Massey website to
specifically look up traditional Maori worldview around organ donation and burial.
I felt I needed to know how Maori view organ donation from a physical,
spiritual and traditional viewpoint and from a historical perspective to give a
basis to my position paper.
I used google scholar which I always find helpful in
accessing quality sources especially specific topic areas such as mine where I found
several readings from quality sources. I found several books from the Massey
library but not the greatest selection of up to date material on the subject. I
also accessed some material related to ethics and organ donation in preparation
for the next assignment.
Finally I remembered the wealth of resources I had available
from a previous Anthropology paper which would provide relevant readings
especially around the ethics of a culturally appropriate way of researching
this subject not being of Maori background myself. I wanted to know the other side
of the story surrounding Maori viewing organ donation as a positive action, in
which I looked up mainstream websites and found some research papers by a
working group of medical background and also some political figures such as
Pita Sharples whose own wife had a kidney transplant.
With a varied source of material I can make an informed
decision on where I stand as an outsider and weigh up the importance of
cultural dimensions and worldviews with modern day organ shortages and medical
advancement.
4 comments:
Hi Jess,
I felt that your blog explained your information search well. I really enjoyed reading about how you are going to approach the assignment in terms of your angle on Maori perspectives. I think that is a very relevant way to approach the topic.
Writing a position paper is new to me too, and I absolutely agree that is is teaching us important skills in arguement formation and evaluation.
Cheers,
Michelle
Hi Jess
Looks like you are extremely organised and know exactly where you are going in terms of the position paper. It's great to see that you can make use of resources from previous anthropology papers as they may come from a slightly different viewpoint.
I think it is equally as important to find out what is culturally appropriate in Maori culture. Being a collectivist group, they certainly have different ideals to those of the Pakeha. I would find that very interesting especially considering Maori and other minority groups are sometimes unable to access good health care due to a multitude of barriers and when it matters, I often wonder where they sit not only within their own culture but where on the waiting list.
The world is such a melting pot in modern times and I often wonder where a lot of our minority groups would be able to access matched organs. I don't think European will always have the monopoly on it either. I'm Samoan, Chinese, Scottish and Kiwi; my eldest daughter's biologic was English and Irish....if she was ever to require a transplant, she may be lucky for having so much European blood in her but my friends Pakeha/Maori children might not have the same luck.
Sorry to go on, I find it all very interesting :) And I do apologise if I have offended in any way through ignorance.
Hey Jess,
Interesting that you brought up those difficulties on the position paper as I felt the exact same way. I prefer a critical analysis and don't like to take a "side" on things unless I've researched the facts and know that one side truly trumps the other. I feel as though none of our listed topics are the perfect answer to the lack of organ donation in NZ, but this paper forces us to be a bit cheeky and focus on promoting our own views in an almost biased manner - I'm sure this is a skill well worth learning, despite the fact it leaves me feeling like a politician of sorts..
Floyd
Hi Jess,
I've never written a position paper either and it was definitely difficult to pick a side so early on in the research process (or at all- I'm usually one to sit somewhere in the middle after researching things) so this was a bit strange. I've finished mine and I'm still not completely comfortable with the position I took on it.
It sounds like you've made sure you have a really thorough understanding of the culture you're researching which should enrich your argument in your writing.
I hope you're still making good progress with finishing your paper!
Alicia
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