In
Memory of Sidney Mintz
Sidney
Mintz was one of the first professors I met when I arrived at Yale in the fall
of 1972 to pursue my undergraduate degree.
Although I’m a strong proponent of small-size classes at the University
of Massachusetts, Amherst, where I now teach, I always use his introductory
anthropology class as an example of how some large lecture courses can be
immensely valuable and transformative experiences. Sid broadened and challenged our
understanding of human societies and cultures.
I’m sure I’m not the only former student who still sometimes thinks
about elderly people drifting on ice floes and the dilemmas that all societies
face in dealing with resource allocation, death, and how best to care for all
of a community’s members.
I well
remember standing with other students near the podium in SSS 114 and plying him
with questions after nearly every class.
He never seemed to be rushing off to something more important. Sid told me that teaching meant more to him
than research and I am very grateful to be one of the thousands of
beneficiaries of his knowledge, enthusiasm, and patience with naiveté. His research has been important to me
throughout my professional career as well.
I teach economic history and have sent many students to read Sweetness and Power and to grapple with
its thought-provoking claims. Sid was a
wise, funny, and kind mentor. I could
always count on him for good advice at times when I felt confused and uncertain
about the best path forward. He’ll
continue to be an inspiration to me throughout my life.
