Two simple questions drive two professions that, on the surface, seem very different—but under a closer look, are more alike than you might expect.
- “What makes us human?” (Anthropologist Margaret Mead)
- “What is truth?” (Journalist Walter Lippmann)
At first glance, those questions may feel worlds apart. But together, they point to the same pursuit: understanding people and the world we live in.
At Camino, we see anthropology and journalism not as distant disciplines, but as parallel ways of listening to people and telling their stories. That connection came to life in a recent conversation with Lennin Caro, Director of the Camino Research Institute (CRI), and Paola García, Director of Marketing and Communications. Coming from two different fields, they show us how curiosity, truth, and storytelling can unite communities in powerful ways.
Curiosity That Sparks Discover
For Lennin, curiosity began with history: “How does the past shape the present?” Anthropology gave him the tools to uncover patterns in human behavior, traditions, and beliefs—patterns that explain why cultures think and act the way they do. As Lennin put it: “It was like, ‘Why are things the way they are?’ So that’s why I started majoring in anthropology.” He added, “Literally anything that concerns human beings… an anthropologist can study it. We study everything from video games to… cryptocurrency.”
In both anthropology and journalism, curiosity is not a passing spark—it is the foundation. It pushes us to ask better questions, uncover deeper truths, and ultimately understand people in ways that shape communities. Without curiosity, anthropology becomes mere history and journalism becomes mere reporting. With it, both become tools for insight, truth, and transformation.
For Paola, curiosity started with people: “Why do their stories matter?” Journalism taught her that reporting isn’t just recording facts—it’s about uncovering truth so communities can make wise decisions. “People really need to learn how to decipher information for themselves,” said Paola. “That’s what made me realize I want to be part of the solution – ensuring that there is correct information out there for people to equip themselves.”
Stories That Shape and Protect
Both anthropology and journalism are built on the belief that stories are vessels of truth and meaning—and that every story demands accuracy. The nuance lies in how those stories are told. Anthropology tells stories by interpreting traditions, practices, and histories, often through long-term observation and deep cultural immersion. The anthropologist’s story explains how people create meaning and identity across time. Journalism tells stories by capturing events as they unfold, translating complexity into clear information that guides public understanding. The journalist’s story seeks immediacy and accessibility, ensuring truth is not lost in rumor or confusion.
In different ways, both disciplines demonstrate that stories are not neutral. They are carefully crafted accounts that carry responsibility—shaping how people see themselves, their communities, and their future.
Similar Paths, Different Pace
Both anthropology and journalism begin with the same practices—listening, questioning, and interpreting—but the rhythm of their work diverges in striking ways.
“Honestly, what I do is not too dissimilar from a journalist. We interview people, we collect stories — but journalists get to be a bit more artistic about it. Anthropology tries to act like a science.” said Lennin when asked about the connections between both careers.
“ Journalists are often incentivized to be the first ones to break a story. A lot of the times they publish fast just to say they broke it – and then they retract later. Accuracy often comes second.” said Paola.
Anthropology unfolds slowly, often requiring years of fieldwork, immersion, and analysis before conclusions are drawn. Its audience tends to be academic or specialized, with insights circulating among scholars, researchers, and policymakers. Journalism, by contrast, operates in urgency. Reporters work under deadlines measured in hours or days, producing accounts that are immediately accessible to the broader public.
These differences in pace shape how each discipline communicates. Anthropology prioritizes depth, allowing time to uncover layers of meaning that resist quick interpretation. Journalism prioritizes immediacy, providing information that communities can act upon without delay. Yet both face the same tension: how to represent reality without reducing it. The anthropologist risks oversimplifying a culture to fit a theory; the journalist risks flattening a complex event into a headline. In both cases, the discipline requires a discipline of its own—the refusal to sacrifice complexity for convenience.
Why They Matter for Communities
“Anthropology matters because it uncovers the structures, histories, and practices that define a community’s identity. Journalism matters because it translates facts and events into actionable knowledge. Together, they allow communities not only to understand who they are, but also to navigate the realities they face—informing decisions, shaping policies, and preserving cultural integrity.”
A Camino Perspective
At Camino, this blend isn’t theoretical—it’s lived every day. Anthropology helps us study and understand the Latino community: their stories, strengths, and struggles. Journalism allows us to share those stories with dignity and accuracy, amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard.
As Paola put it: “We’re both trying to honor people’s stories. Anthropology explains them. Journalism amplifies them.”
That is the heart of Camino’s work. Whether through research, storytelling, or community initiatives, we believe curiosity leads to connection, and connection leads to change. We’re living that out through CRI’s North Carolina Latino Strengths & Needs Assessment, and through journalism we’re amplifying its reach so leaders and neighbors can act on the findings.
Read the report: https://simplebooklet.com/2025nclatinostrengthsandneedsassessment#page=1
