People like hearing about my research interests when I start talking about the role of West African funeral rites in Ebola outbreaks

They don’t like hearing about my research interests when I start talking about the role of American cultural aspects in the spread of COVID-19

If you can’t give up your graduation ceremonies and birthday parties, the least you can do is show sympathy for the people in other countries who have a difficult time giving up their traditions to slow the spread of an outbreak

People everywhere are resistant to changes to their culture and traditions

Don’t throw stones from glass houses

(PS- If you know anyone doing research at the intersection of anthropology/SBS and infectious disease epidemiology let me know - I’m starting to explore PhD programs and would love any pointers on schools/faculty I should be looking at!)