Who was Richard Patrick Critchfield, and what was the primary focus of his writing?

Richard Patrick Critchfield (March 23, 1931 – December 10, 1994) was an American journalist and essayist. His writing principally focused on agricultural village life in developing countries, aiming to convey the experiences of these communities to Western readers.

Can you describe Richard Critchfield's early life and educational background?

Critchfield was born in Minneapolis and grew up in North Dakota, where his father was a country doctor. He pursued higher education at the University of Washington and later earned a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. He also undertook further graduate studies at the Universities of Vienna, Innsbruck, and Northwestern University.

What military service did Richard Critchfield perform, and what was his initial journalism role?

Richard Critchfield served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he began his writing career as the farm editor for the Cedar Rapids Gazette in Iowa.

What significant role did Richard Critchfield play as a war correspondent during the Vietnam War?

Critchfield served as a war reporter in the Vietnam War for four years, covering the conflict for the Washington Star. He was a member of that newspaper's editorial staff for approximately a decade.

What did Richard Critchfield do after leaving the Washington Star?

After concluding his tenure with the Washington Star, Critchfield transitioned to become a freelance foreign correspondent. His work then focused on the Third World, where he reported for numerous publications.

How did Richard Critchfield characterize his distinctive writing style?

Richard Critchfield described his unique approach to reporting as "village reporting." This method involved immersing himself in the lives of villagers in developing nations to authentically capture and convey their stories and experiences.

What was Richard Critchfield's perspective on the U.S. defeat in the Vietnam War?

Critchfield believed that the U.S. defeat in Vietnam stemmed not from a failure of power, but from a "failure of knowledge." He specifically cited a lack of understanding regarding the ordinary Vietnamese peasant, their culture, and their way of life.

What were Richard Critchfield's observations regarding Soviet and Chinese agriculture in 1980?

In a 1980 article, Critchfield argued that Soviet agriculture was failing, partly due to Marxism-Leninism. He contrasted this with Chinese agriculture, which he noted was succeeding after a retreat from the disastrous collective farming policies of the Great Leap Forward back towards the family farm model.

What notable academic and professional honors did Richard Critchfield receive?

Critchfield received several prestigious honors during his career. These included an Overseas Press Club award in 1965 for his reporting from Vietnam, an Alice Patterson Fellowship in 1970, and recognition as a MacArthur Fellow in December 1981, the program's inaugural year.

For what specific reporting was Richard Critchfield awarded the Overseas Press Club award?

Richard Critchfield was awarded an Overseas Press Club award in 1965 for his reporting from Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

What was the focus of Richard Critchfield's Alice Patterson Fellowship in 1970?

In 1970, Richard Critchfield received an Alice Patterson Fellowship to report on the critical issue of the Food Population Crisis in India, Indonesia, and Iran.

When was Richard Critchfield named a MacArthur Fellow, and what was the significance of this award?

Richard Critchfield was selected as a MacArthur Fellow in December 1981, during the program's first year. This recognition, often referred to as a "genius grant," included a substantial financial award of $244,000.

Who was Timothy Mitchell, and what criticisms did he voice regarding Critchfield's work?

Timothy Mitchell, a professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Columbia University, was a vocal critic of Richard Critchfield's writing, particularly his work on Egypt. Mitchell alleged that Critchfield's writings plagiarized older, less informed sources and presented inaccurate or disingenuous portrayals of Egyptian life.

What connections did Timothy Mitchell suggest existed between Critchfield and the U.S. foreign policy establishment?

Mitchell cited several connections, including Critchfield's work being financed by foundations like the Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation, as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development. He also noted Critchfield's brother's senior role in the CIA, the geopolitical significance of Critchfield's reporting locations for U.S. foreign policy, and Critchfield's relationships with figures like Robert McNamara.

What is the title and publication year of Richard Critchfield's book described as a classic study of forces eroding small towns?

The book titled *Villages*, published in 1981, was described thirteen years later as a classic study of the forces eroding small towns.

What was the research methodology behind Richard Critchfield's book *Villages*?

Critchfield's book *Villages* was based on his extensive fieldwork, involving the study of 18 villages across 13 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He lived within these villages for extended periods, participating in the dominant local methods of earning a livelihood.

What subject did Richard Critchfield's 1968 book, *The Long Charade*, address?

Richard Critchfield's 1968 book, *The Long Charade*, addressed the topic of political subversion within the context of the Vietnam War.

What was the focus of Richard Critchfield's 1978 book, *Shahhat: An Egyptian*?

The title *Shahhat: An Egyptian* suggests that Richard Critchfield's 1978 book focused on an Egyptian individual or aspect of Egyptian life, likely explored through his characteristic lens of village or everyday experiences.

What does the title *Those Days: An American Album* suggest about its content?

While the source text does not explicitly detail its content, the title *Those Days: An American Album* suggests a work potentially related to American life, possibly reflecting personal history or a collection of observations on the American experience, aligning with Critchfield's other works on American rural culture and family history.

What is the primary theme of Richard Critchfield's 1991 book, *Trees, why do you wait?: America's changing rural culture*?

The primary theme of Richard Critchfield's 1991 book, *Trees, why do you wait?: America's changing rural culture*, is the evolution and transformation of rural culture within the United States.

What aspects of urban and rural life does Richard Critchfield explore in his 1994 book, *The Villagers*?

In his 1994 book, *The Villagers: Changed Values, Altered Lives: The Closing of the Urban-Rural Gap*, Richard Critchfield examines shifts in values and altered lifestyles, specifically focusing on the process by which the gap between urban and rural life is diminishing.

What is the subject of Richard Critchfield's 1990 book, *An American looks at Britain*?

Richard Critchfield's 1990 book, *An American looks at Britain*, explores his observations and perspectives on Great Britain from an American viewpoint.

What does the publication of ISBNs for some of Critchfield's books indicate?

The inclusion of ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers) for books like *Villages*, *An American looks at Britain*, *Trees, why do you wait?*, and *The Villagers* signifies that these works were formally published and cataloged, making them identifiable and accessible through standard book industry systems.

What was Richard Critchfield's connection to his older brother, James H. Critchfield?

Richard Critchfield's older brother, James H. Critchfield, held a significant position as the chief of the Near East and South Asia division within the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

What specific criticism did Timothy Mitchell level against Critchfield's writings on Egypt?

Timothy Mitchell criticized Critchfield's work on Egypt for allegedly plagiarizing from older and uninformed sources, suggesting a lack of original research or reliance on potentially unreliable information, and presenting a disingenuous picture of Egyptian life.

What was the core argument Richard Critchfield made regarding the failure of Soviet agriculture?

Richard Critchfield argued that the failure of Soviet agriculture could be attributed, in part, to the principles of Marxism-Leninism, suggesting that the ideology itself was detrimental to effective farming practices.

How did Richard Critchfield's book *Villages* differ from typical academic studies of developing countries?

Critchfield's *Villages* was based on direct, immersive experience rather than solely academic research. He lived in the villages he studied for extended periods, participating in the local economy and daily life, which provided a deeply personal and grounded perspective.

What does the title *The Golden Bowl Be Broken: Peasant Life in Four Cultures* suggest about the book's content?

The title *The Golden Bowl Be Broken: Peasant Life in Four Cultures* indicates that this book likely examined and compared the lives of peasants across four distinct cultural settings, reflecting Critchfield's broader interest in diverse agricultural communities.

What was the purpose of Richard Critchfield's "village reporting" style?

The purpose of Richard Critchfield's "village reporting" style was to provide Western readers with authentic, firsthand accounts of life in villages within developing countries, focusing on the experiences and changes occurring within these communities.

What does the mention of Critchfield's death during a party for his last book signify?

The mention of Critchfield's death in Washington, D.C., after suffering a stroke while attending a party celebrating the publication of his final book, *The Villagers*, highlights the timing of his passing and his continued dedication to his writing until the very end of his life.

What common thread runs through many of Richard Critchfield's books, such as *Villages*, *Shahhat: An Egyptian*, and *The Villagers*?

A common thread running through many of Richard Critchfield's books is his focus on the lives, cultures, and transformations occurring within villages and rural communities, particularly in developing nations.

What role did Richard Critchfield's education at European universities likely play in his career?

His graduate work at the Universities of Vienna and Innsbruck likely provided him with a broader European perspective and enhanced his understanding of international affairs and cultural nuances, informing his subsequent work as a foreign correspondent.

How did Richard Critchfield's reporting on the "Food Population Crisis" align with his journalistic focus?

His focus on the "Food Population Crisis in India, Indonesia and Iran" during his Alice Patterson Fellowship aligns directly with his broader journalistic interest in the challenges and realities faced by people in developing countries, particularly concerning fundamental aspects of life like food security and population dynamics.

What is the significance of the reference to "Confucian culture" in Critchfield's analysis of the Vietnam War?

The reference to "Confucian culture" in Critchfield's analysis of the Vietnam War highlights his belief that understanding the deep-rooted cultural values and traditions of the Vietnamese people, such as those influenced by Confucianism, was crucial for comprehending the conflict and the U.S. failure to achieve its objectives.

What does the title *The Long Charade: Political Subversion in the Vietnam War* imply about the book's content?

The title *The Long Charade: Political Subversion in the Vietnam War* implies that the book presents a critical perspective on the Vietnam War, suggesting the conflict involved prolonged deception or political maneuvering and exploring elements of subversion.

What does the inclusion of external links to organizations like the Alicia Patterson Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation signify?

These links signify that Richard Critchfield was recognized and supported by significant journalistic and philanthropic organizations. The Alicia Patterson Foundation supported his reporting, and the MacArthur Foundation awarded him a prestigious fellowship, highlighting the impact and value placed on his work.

What was Richard Critchfield's view on the "closing of the urban-rural gap" as mentioned in his book *The Villagers*?

As indicated by the title *The Villagers: Changed Values, Altered Lives: The Closing of the Urban-Rural Gap*, Critchfield explored how the distinctions between urban and rural life were diminishing, leading to altered lifestyles and evolving values in society.

What was the subject of Richard Critchfield's book *The Long Charade*?

Richard Critchfield's 1968 book, *The Long Charade*, focused on the theme of political subversion during the Vietnam War.

What does the reference to Critchfield's appearance on C-SPAN with Christopher Hitchens suggest about his later career?

The C-SPAN appearance suggests that in his later career, Critchfield engaged in public discussions about international affairs and cultural comparisons, such as those between America and Britain, alongside prominent figures like Christopher Hitchens.

What was the basis for Richard Critchfield's assertion that the U.S. defeat in Vietnam was a "failure of knowledge"?

Critchfield's assertion stemmed from his belief that the U.S. lacked a sufficient understanding of the ordinary Vietnamese peasant and their deeply ingrained Confucian culture, which he felt was essential to comprehending the conflict's dynamics.

What specific publications are mentioned as featuring Richard Critchfield's freelance foreign correspondence?

Richard Critchfield's freelance foreign correspondence appeared in publications such as The Economist, The International Herald-Tribune, The Washington Post, and The Christian Science Monitor.

What does the "Authority control" section in the Wikipedia article signify?

The "Authority control" section lists various international and national databases that have cataloged Richard Critchfield, such as ISNI, VIAF, FAST, WorldCat, and the U.S. Library of Congress. This indicates his recognized presence in global library and archival systems.

What was Richard Critchfield's perspective on the retreat from collective agriculture in China?

Critchfield observed that Chinese agriculture was succeeding because the country had made a "brisk retreat" from the failed collective agriculture policies of the Great Leap Forward, moving back towards the family farm model.

How did Richard Critchfield's brother's role in the CIA contribute to criticisms of his work?

Timothy Mitchell cited Richard Critchfield's brother's position as chief of the Near East and South Asia division in the CIA as part of the evidence suggesting Richard's work was aligned with and potentially influenced by U.S. intelligence and foreign policy circles.

What is the significance of the reference to Critchfield living in villages and "doing whatever was the dominant mode of earning a living"?

This detail highlights Critchfield's immersive research method for his book *Villages*. By actively participating in the local economy, he gained firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of the villagers' lives, which informed his writing.

What does the title *An American looks at Britain* suggest about the book's content?

The title *An American looks at Britain* suggests that the book contains Richard Critchfield's observations and perspectives on Great Britain from the viewpoint of an American.

What was the nature of the criticism leveled by Timothy Mitchell regarding Critchfield's portrayal of Egyptian life?

Timothy Mitchell criticized Critchfield's portrayal of Egyptian life as potentially disingenuous or inaccurate, suggesting it was based on older, less informed sources rather than thorough, contemporary research.

What does the reference to Critchfield's work being financed by the Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation imply?

The financing by organizations like the Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation, along with the U.S. Agency for International Development, is cited by critics like Timothy Mitchell as evidence linking Critchfield's work to the broader U.S. establishment and foreign policy interests.

What was Richard Critchfield's contribution to journalism as described in his obituary?

His obituary described him as someone who "lived and worked among villagers of the third world to tell their story to Western readers," emphasizing his role in bridging cultural understanding through his immersive reporting.

What does the inclusion of multiple university affiliations for Critchfield's graduate work suggest about his academic preparation?

The fact that Critchfield pursued graduate work at multiple universities, including institutions in Vienna and Innsbruck, suggests a commitment to diverse academic perspectives and potentially an international focus in his scholarly pursuits beyond his journalism master's degree.

Richard Critchfield Wiki: The Global Village Chronicler: Richard Critchfield's Lens

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Overview

A Journalist's Focus

Richard Patrick Critchfield (1931–1994) was an American journalist and essayist distinguished by his dedicated focus on agricultural village life across the developing world. His work aimed to illuminate the experiences and transformations occurring within these communities for Western readers.

The Method: Village Reporting

Critchfield pioneered a distinctive approach termed "village reporting." This involved immersing himself in the daily lives of villagers in numerous countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. He would often participate directly in their primary modes of earning a living, seeking to gain an authentic understanding of their culture, challenges, and the impact of modernization.

Academic Foundation

His journalistic career was underpinned by a strong academic background. Critchfield graduated from the University of Washington and earned a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. He further pursued graduate studies at the Universities of Vienna and Innsbruck, and Northwestern University, providing him with a broad international perspective.

Career Trajectory

Early Journalism and War Reporting

Critchfield began his professional writing career as the farm editor for the Cedar Rapids [Iowa] Gazette. His experience expanded significantly during the Korean War, where he served in the U.S. Army. He later transitioned to war reporting, spending four years covering the Vietnam War for the Washington Star. He remained with the Star for approximately a decade, contributing to its editorial staff.

Freelance Foreign Correspondent

Following his tenure at the Washington Star, Critchfield established himself as a freelance foreign correspondent specializing in the "Third World." His insightful articles appeared in numerous prestigious publications, including The Economist, The International Herald-Tribune, The Washington Post, and The Christian Science Monitor, solidifying his reputation as a keen observer of global affairs.

Family and Background

Born in Minneapolis, Critchfield grew up in North Dakota, the son of a country doctor. His older brother, James H. Critchfield, pursued a career in intelligence, eventually becoming the chief of the Near East and South Asia division of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This familial connection later became a point of discussion regarding the influences on Critchfield's work.

Notable Works

Seminal Books

Critchfield authored approximately ten books, exploring diverse subjects from his family history on the Great Plains and British culture to his primary focus: villages in developing countries. His most celebrated work, Villages (1981), is considered a foundational study on the societal shifts impacting rural communities.

The Indian Reporter's Guide (1962)
The Long Charade: Political Subversion in the Vietnam War (1968)
Lore and Legend of Nepal (1971)
The Golden Bowl Be Broken: Peasant Life in Four Cultures (1973, 1988)
Shahhat: An Egyptian (1978)
Villages (1981) - ISBN 978-0-385-17212-7
Those Days: An American Album (1986)
An American looks at Britain (1990) - ISBN 978-0385244572
Trees, why do you wait?: America's changing rural culture (1991) - ISBN 978-1-55963-028-3
The Villagers: Changed Values, Altered Lives: The Closing of the Urban-Rural Gap (1994) - ISBN 978-0-385-42050-1

Key Articles

Beyond his books, Critchfield contributed significant articles to various journals and newspapers, offering timely analysis on international affairs and development.

"The Alicia Patterson Foundation Newsletters of Richard Critchfield"
"The New Environment of Foreign Aid", The Nation, May 15, 1972
"Why Soviet Breadbasket is Never Full", Christian Science Monitor, April 22, 1980
"Science and the Villager: The Last Sleeper Wakes", Foreign Affairs, Fall 1982
"The Village Voice of Richard Critchfield: Bringing the Third World to the Fourth Estate", Washington Journalism Review, October 1985

Core Perspectives

Understanding the Peasant Mind

Critchfield posited that the U.S. failure in Vietnam stemmed from a fundamental lack of understanding of the Vietnamese peasant culture. He argued that comprehending the "ordinary Vietnamese peasant" and their Confucian heritage was crucial for effective foreign policy and engagement, a perspective rooted in his immersive reporting style.

Agricultural Insights

In a prescient 1980 analysis, Critchfield contrasted the agricultural challenges in the Soviet Union, which he attributed partly to Marxist-Leninist ideology, with the relative success of Chinese agriculture. He noted China's retreat from the disastrous "Great Leap Forward" towards more family-centric farming practices, highlighting the importance of local context and incentives.

Recognition and Honors

Esteemed Accolades

Richard Critchfield received significant recognition for his contributions to journalism and international reporting throughout his career.

Overseas Press Club Award (1965): Recognized for his reporting from Vietnam.
Alicia Patterson Fellowship (1970): Awarded to support his reporting on the "Food Population Crisis in India, Indonesia and Iran."
MacArthur Fellowship (1981): One of the first recipients of the prestigious "genius grant," receiving $244,000 to support his continued work.

Critical Perspectives

Academic Scrutiny

Despite his accolades, Critchfield's work faced criticism, notably from Columbia professor Timothy Mitchell. Mitchell argued that Critchfield's writings on Egypt plagiarized older, less informed sources and presented an inaccurate portrayal of Egyptian life. This critique suggested a potential lack of rigorous verification in Critchfield's methodology.

Establishment Ties

Mitchell also highlighted Critchfield's connections to the U.S. academic and foreign policy establishment. Funding from organizations like the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and the U.S. Agency for International Development, coupled with his brother's senior role in the CIA and Critchfield's associations with figures like Robert McNamara, led to questions about potential biases and the influence of U.S. foreign policy interests on his reporting.

References

Source Material

The information presented on this page is derived from the cited sources, primarily the Wikipedia article on Richard Critchfield.

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References

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Richard Critchfield: Chronicling the World's Villages

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

✍️ A Journalist's Focus

🌍 The Method: Village Reporting

🎓 Academic Foundation

Career Trajectory 🚀

📰 Early Journalism and War Reporting

🌐 Freelance Foreign Correspondent

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and Background

Notable Works 📚

📖 Seminal Books

📝 Key Articles

Core Perspectives 💡

🧠 Understanding the Peasant Mind

🌾 Agricultural Insights

Recognition and Honors 🏆

🏅 Esteemed Accolades

Critical Perspectives 🧐

🗣️ Academic Scrutiny

🔗 Establishment Ties

References 🔗

📜 Source Material

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Journalist's Focus

The Method: Village Reporting

Academic Foundation

Career Trajectory

Early Journalism and War Reporting

Freelance Foreign Correspondent

Family and Background

Notable Works

Seminal Books

Key Articles

Core Perspectives

Understanding the Peasant Mind

Agricultural Insights

Recognition and Honors

Esteemed Accolades

Critical Perspectives

Academic Scrutiny

Establishment Ties

References

Source Material

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice