What can we do? Performative refusal in Ikaria

The island of Ikaria in the eastern Aegean is often noted for the longevity of its inhabitants. The author attempted an ethnographic study of cultural factors contributing to this longevity, but was systematically thwarted by gatekeepers. They later learned that such performative refusal has long been part of Ikarians' response to outsiders. This essay argues that these acts of performative refusal are essential sites of co-produced knowledge, even as they challenge some of the author's basic cultural and methodological assumptions. Ostensibly marginalized people on the island deploy these savvy, well-rehearsed performances to resist outsider's attempts at mutual understanding. This performative essay interlaces historical refusals with those the author encountered in their visit.