In Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn, Karen McCarthy Brown studied practitioners of the Vodou religion living in the United States. However, she went far beyond the usual role of scientific observer and became a member of the religious group she was studying. She also gave her key informant, Mama Lola, veto power over certain elements of her work. Why would this be helpful?

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By giving veto power to her key informant, Mama Lola, Karen McCarthy Brown was able to set aside her preconceived ideas and biases about Vodou religion. Mama Lola was able to correct any misconceptions or errors in the book and ensure that it accurately represented the Vodou religion and its practitioners. This allowed Brown to understand and describe the religion from the point of view of the practitioners themselves, rather than through the lens of an outsider's perspective. Therefore, this approach was helpful in producing a more accurate and respectful portrayal of the Vodou religion.

In Mama Lola: a Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn, Karen McCarthy