Redman and Diamond both appear to view archaeological human groups as isolated cultures that can be studied in a bubble, without an analysis of the exchanges between groups. Both used Mesoamerican social collapse to make the point that dense populations, intensive agriculture, and high demands of labor (in monumental architecture construction, Redman:153-155) led to eventual decreases in food and political instability. Diamond further elaborated that this group, and other societies, "chose to fail". Do you agree with some of the other author's critiques that Diamond (and maybe also Redman??) are still ignoring societal complexities? What other factors may contribute to societal collapse?
Most of the authors critiquing Diamond mention that despite its flaws his book was a brave attempt at interdisciplinary studies as well as serving to bring anthropological issues into the mainstream media. Is this good for anthropology? Should we be more concerned with the spread of misinformation or promoting the field of anthropology in this (possibly misguided) effort?
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