Paper short abstract:

The anthropological concept of displacement within the studies of migration and tourism is challenging in terms of how “Other”, “Self” and self-representation, may be conceptualized. The paper (accompanied with 2 films) shows how visual methods can be used in grasping the problem.

Paper long abstract:

The anthropological concept of displacement within the studies of migration and tourism is challenging in the way that it forces the researcher to reflex several fundamental questions: the legitimization of others or postmodernist "Other" (migrants, tourists and receiving society), the assumption of "Self" and his/her representation, conceptualization of an experience of being "there". The peculiarity of experience related to displacement requires specific research approach. Following the arguments of Edward Sapir and David MacDougall, both, intimate structures of culture and affective knowledge, shall be encompassed by such a research. The paper argues that Jean Rouch's legacy, especially his concept of shared anthropology together with the use of visual methods, in particular of film making, may be the reliable strategy in grasping the migratory experience.

This statement is being illustrated by two cases of practical research undertaken by the author in the community of Siberian students living temporarily in Saint Petersburg and in the Chukchi village where tourist resort is supposed to be established. The film "The Seagull flying against the wind" and "Being a tourist in his own home" portray how the informants' self-presentation in the context of displacement may be incorporated into the research.

The concrete studies of migration and of tourism serve as an example of how the framework in which "a shared anthropology" has been interpreted can be broadened up and further elaborated.