My ultimate dream one day is to be a published authoress... just like Skeeter from "The Help"!
So! That's what topic I'm chosing for my paper.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Marriage
The definition of marriage is the legal status, condition, or relationship that results from a contract by which one man and one woman, who have the capacity to enter into such an agreement, mutually promise to live together in the relationship of husband and wife in law for life, or until the legal termination of the relationship. This definition was presented http://legal-dictionary. thefreedictionary.com. Not all marriages are done for love. People in the military often do it so they can get more money from a deployment and then break it off afterwards. Sometimes it is an arranged marriage, two families arrange for their kids to get married as part of a business deal. Often times the marriage is arranged in order to get cattle from the other family. Back in days of yore, some families with have their children marry to help end an argument or war between the families. Some couples get married because they are drunk. This tends to happen in Las Vegas or New Orleans. People go out and party and get drunk and then wake up the next morning laying next to each other with rings on their fingers.
Friday, September 30, 2011
"Love is not love which alters when alteration finds..."
On a worldwide level, people have millions of different definitions for a marriage. In our own country, marriage is sadly a heavily debated topic because of so many conflicting issues such as gay-marriage, the high divorce rate, adultery, and illegitimate children.
Yet, my understanding of the beauty and importance of marriage has by no means been altered or changed after reading these articles. On the contrary, they’ve motivated me to hold firm onto what my faith teaches about the sanctity and reverence of matrimony, and the dignity of human life.
As I was reading my textbook, something kept coming across the pages repeatedly:
“Where women are economically important, polygyny increases a man’s wealth and therefore his social position…”
“Extended families are particularly adaptive among cultivators as they provide more workers than in nuclear families…”
These and many other passages convey the message that marriage is simply seen as an economic advantage, increasing someone’s wealth and power, and viewing human beings as objects. The opening story of Chapter 7 discusses the lives of lovers among the Na of China, and depicts a culture rooted in self-indulgence that views sexual relations simply as a means to please the senses. The dignity and respect for both sexes seems virtually non-existent in societies like this.
Many people may argue that we should be free to do whatever we want, but this is not true freedom. This is enslavement to one’s passions. If a man has an addiction to sex, and chooses to have multiple wives in order to quench that addiction, he’s becoming a slave to himself. He’s selling his freedom to something that appears good to him, even if it’s part of his culture or upbringing. Regardless of what culture a man or woman comes from, there is a difference between right and wrong. No society can last unless it is based on a clear orientation toward values that are reflected in a just ordering of relationships and an active implementation of this justice. Thus, man may never be made into a means to an end of societal action.
There is no man on earth who is not descended from a union of a mother and father. This is how man was created to be: both male and female, joining together under the sacred bonds of marriage to procreate children and establish a loving bond towards one another for life. You won’t see two female birds roosting in the same nest, trying to create an egg together. Neither will any other creature in the animal kingdom choose a mate of the same sex. Homo sapiens is also a member of the animal kingdom, both male and female. But because we have been endowed with intellectual reason and free will, we are able to distinguish between right and wrong… what is unnatural, immoral, and twisted.
Even though there are thousands of religious sects and divisions worldwide among various cultures, all religions contain some grain of truth. Some religions contain more truth than others. People in every religion and society distinguish what they believe is good and evil. This is man’s use of his natural reason, and most societies will agree on certain principals as morally acceptable or immorally evil (for example, the unjust killing of an innocent person). But no religion or cultural belief is right just depending only on the culture you come from. God’s truth transcends culture and time. His truth is the same in every place and every age. If religious truth were culturally relative, we would have to accept the human sacrifices of the Aztecs because that sort of thing was acceptable to Aztec culture. This, of course, would not be good. If God reveals a truth, it is true in all places for all time.
Anthropologists may claim that they are not defending certain practices such as polygamy, human sacrifice, infanticide, etc. But they can only go so far before they cross the line of being immorally permissive and tolerant, falling back on the excuse, “It’s just their culture”. We, on the other hand, can’t use that excuse and believe there is no absolute truth between right or wrong… because there IS. Something may be a society’s way and belief, but it’s still wrong.
In regards to marriage, it’s almost heartbreaking to see how defensive people become in America when they hear of arranged marriages in other countries while our own country is suffering from the norm to “fall in love” passionately, freely engage in sex whenever we want to, and to treat marriage as an advanced version of a highschool dating system. In the one article, Sita simply responds to the anthropologists’ questions by saying she’s too inexperienced and young to rush into marriage or decide for herself without guidance because it’s so important to her. She is treating marriage with the respect and dignity it deserves!
“Love” is probably one of the most misused and misunderstood words in the world today. Most people believe in the romantic kind of love between two people, filled with heat and passion. But this is a lie and only a feeling. True love is NOT a feeling. Love is the desire to see the happiness of another, and that’s a self-sacrificing choice. When sexuality is separated from love and is sought only for the sake of satisfaction, one destroys the meaning of sexual union of man and woman. Sex then becomes inhuman; it is degraded to a means of obtaining pleasure and degenerates into a commodity. This, sadly, is what many cultures practice and promote.
Romantic love is NOT the means towards a successful marriage, no matter what culture the couple comes from. Marriage should never be seen solely as a monetary gain, an advantage up the social ladder, an opportunity for unlimited sex, something to just “try out and see if it works”, or as a dominating role over a spouse. Polygamy is a series of non-binding love affairs that never arrive at one, great, irrevocable commitment; homosexuality perverts human beings’ natural relations between a man and woman, and degrades marriage by twisting a bond of love to suit one’s personal (or mental) tastes.
The most beautiful form of love on earth is the love between man and woman, in which two people give themselves to each other forever. Only committed, enduring love in marriage creates a space for sexuality that is experienced in a human way and brings lasting happiness… AND the good of society!
I know there are many people who will disagree with me on this issue. One of the great battles of debate is that there will always be radically enthusiastic, eloquent, and even good people on both sides. But when it comes to morality and the dignity of human beings, there are indissoluble and unwavering truths that we can learn through reason, faith, conscience, and love.
Yet, my understanding of the beauty and importance of marriage has by no means been altered or changed after reading these articles. On the contrary, they’ve motivated me to hold firm onto what my faith teaches about the sanctity and reverence of matrimony, and the dignity of human life.
As I was reading my textbook, something kept coming across the pages repeatedly:
“Where women are economically important, polygyny increases a man’s wealth and therefore his social position…”
“Extended families are particularly adaptive among cultivators as they provide more workers than in nuclear families…”
These and many other passages convey the message that marriage is simply seen as an economic advantage, increasing someone’s wealth and power, and viewing human beings as objects. The opening story of Chapter 7 discusses the lives of lovers among the Na of China, and depicts a culture rooted in self-indulgence that views sexual relations simply as a means to please the senses. The dignity and respect for both sexes seems virtually non-existent in societies like this.
Many people may argue that we should be free to do whatever we want, but this is not true freedom. This is enslavement to one’s passions. If a man has an addiction to sex, and chooses to have multiple wives in order to quench that addiction, he’s becoming a slave to himself. He’s selling his freedom to something that appears good to him, even if it’s part of his culture or upbringing. Regardless of what culture a man or woman comes from, there is a difference between right and wrong. No society can last unless it is based on a clear orientation toward values that are reflected in a just ordering of relationships and an active implementation of this justice. Thus, man may never be made into a means to an end of societal action.
There is no man on earth who is not descended from a union of a mother and father. This is how man was created to be: both male and female, joining together under the sacred bonds of marriage to procreate children and establish a loving bond towards one another for life. You won’t see two female birds roosting in the same nest, trying to create an egg together. Neither will any other creature in the animal kingdom choose a mate of the same sex. Homo sapiens is also a member of the animal kingdom, both male and female. But because we have been endowed with intellectual reason and free will, we are able to distinguish between right and wrong… what is unnatural, immoral, and twisted.
Even though there are thousands of religious sects and divisions worldwide among various cultures, all religions contain some grain of truth. Some religions contain more truth than others. People in every religion and society distinguish what they believe is good and evil. This is man’s use of his natural reason, and most societies will agree on certain principals as morally acceptable or immorally evil (for example, the unjust killing of an innocent person). But no religion or cultural belief is right just depending only on the culture you come from. God’s truth transcends culture and time. His truth is the same in every place and every age. If religious truth were culturally relative, we would have to accept the human sacrifices of the Aztecs because that sort of thing was acceptable to Aztec culture. This, of course, would not be good. If God reveals a truth, it is true in all places for all time.
Anthropologists may claim that they are not defending certain practices such as polygamy, human sacrifice, infanticide, etc. But they can only go so far before they cross the line of being immorally permissive and tolerant, falling back on the excuse, “It’s just their culture”. We, on the other hand, can’t use that excuse and believe there is no absolute truth between right or wrong… because there IS. Something may be a society’s way and belief, but it’s still wrong.
In regards to marriage, it’s almost heartbreaking to see how defensive people become in America when they hear of arranged marriages in other countries while our own country is suffering from the norm to “fall in love” passionately, freely engage in sex whenever we want to, and to treat marriage as an advanced version of a highschool dating system. In the one article, Sita simply responds to the anthropologists’ questions by saying she’s too inexperienced and young to rush into marriage or decide for herself without guidance because it’s so important to her. She is treating marriage with the respect and dignity it deserves!
“Love” is probably one of the most misused and misunderstood words in the world today. Most people believe in the romantic kind of love between two people, filled with heat and passion. But this is a lie and only a feeling. True love is NOT a feeling. Love is the desire to see the happiness of another, and that’s a self-sacrificing choice. When sexuality is separated from love and is sought only for the sake of satisfaction, one destroys the meaning of sexual union of man and woman. Sex then becomes inhuman; it is degraded to a means of obtaining pleasure and degenerates into a commodity. This, sadly, is what many cultures practice and promote.
Romantic love is NOT the means towards a successful marriage, no matter what culture the couple comes from. Marriage should never be seen solely as a monetary gain, an advantage up the social ladder, an opportunity for unlimited sex, something to just “try out and see if it works”, or as a dominating role over a spouse. Polygamy is a series of non-binding love affairs that never arrive at one, great, irrevocable commitment; homosexuality perverts human beings’ natural relations between a man and woman, and degrades marriage by twisting a bond of love to suit one’s personal (or mental) tastes.
The most beautiful form of love on earth is the love between man and woman, in which two people give themselves to each other forever. Only committed, enduring love in marriage creates a space for sexuality that is experienced in a human way and brings lasting happiness… AND the good of society!
I know there are many people who will disagree with me on this issue. One of the great battles of debate is that there will always be radically enthusiastic, eloquent, and even good people on both sides. But when it comes to morality and the dignity of human beings, there are indissoluble and unwavering truths that we can learn through reason, faith, conscience, and love.
Chapter 7: Marriage (Abbey Dahl)
Like many other topics in anthropology, reasons for marriage differ in all societies/cultures. Frankly this week I have been enlightened on all the kinds of marriages and family structures that are practiced all over the world. For example there are the Nuer in East Africa who participate in a patrilineal society, where, "all rights, privileges, obligations, and interpersonal relationships are regulated by kinship," (169) on the father's side of the family. Then there are the Hopi who are involved with the practice of matrilineal, where the mother is creates the strong ties within her family. It is remarkable the reasons why people marry. As in the article "What's Love Got to do With it", it discusses that in medieval times till almost the 19th century love was never incorporated in the reason to marry a person. Also, it was uncommon just to spend your life with just one partner in the beginning of time. I grew up to believe love was based off of finding a partner that you are strongly affectionate towards, and can spend the rest of your life with. Through schooling and reading many Jane Austen books I came to the realization that throughout history at times love was the last thing on family's minds when it came to a marriage. From the article, "Arranging a Marriage in India", we realize that it is a cultural tradition for some families to chose their son's wives or daughter's husbands. People married to strengthen their workforce at the home, for status in society, to keep up with ends meet, and/or to keep royalty in the blood line. The "What's Love Got to Do With It," even stresses how in China the word love had nothing to do with one's feelings and nothing to do with marriage. Over time the reason's for marriage drastically changed. After many centuries and religious battles, love became a huge part of the union between two people in the 1950's. But as anthropology studies, currently they have realized a change in marriage just after half a century. As throughly discussed in the article "Gay Marriage and Anthropology", the divorce rate is exponentially increasing, and blended families are becoming prominent in society. Overall the evolution of marriage changes, and is currently changing in many cultures. People are becoming far more accepting for certain kinds of family structures and it wonderful to see that.
Reading this chapter and these three articles has not really changed my perspective of marriage, but they have made me respect other cultures for their traditions. It is amazing how many family structures there are in the world, and the many reasons behind marriage it is all truly fascinating.
Marriage
The world as a whole views marriage in a lot of different ways. One way is words that are associated marriage one of them being love. The word love to the US means a passionate affection for another person. Where as in the article 'What's Love Got to Do with It' Chinese dialect love is described as an illicit socially disapproved relationship. Just from the passage right there you can see how much the meaning of marriage can change just my going to another state. After reading this articles and the book I can honestly say that it really hasn't changed my beliefs and what marriage means to me as a person.
I've been all cross the world from Turkey to Okinawa. Seen different culture's and all and the thing that I saw is that marriage is what you make it. Just because you come from a area where they handle marriage differently doesn't mean you have to follow it just means that you can take it in consideration. But when it comes down to it it's all about what you feel is the right decision.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Marriage
Everyone has their different views on marriage. It defers from different cultures. From the reading I learned that in India, they have completely different views on marriage than we do in the U.S. They believe that marriage should be arrange, rather than what they call "love match" which is how it is in the U.S. The article describes a young girl with a degree having to wait for her parents to arrange her marriage. She does not want to be with someone she barely knows. What if it doesn't work out? They should have a right to choose who they want to be with. They should fall in love just like everyone else gets to do. I personally do not believe in arranged marriages. A match should be made by people who love each other. What happens when they do not get along at fight all the time with their kids around? They are forcibly stuck with that person for the rest of their life. The U.S. is not much better though. Now days people get married for a couple months and then get a divorce because it is so easily to be done. Marriage isn't taken seriously like it used to be. When you marry someone you should be with them for forever and they should be who you want to be with. Some people make marriage look like a joke, some-what similar to a middle school relationship. After reading the articles I learned a lot of different views about marriage and how different cultures marry.
Is your marriage for you or are you for your marriage? --Sam Stangl
Before reading the articles and the textbook, I thought of marriage as kind of an emotional bond as well as a physical attraction to another person. However, I was completely aware that in other cultures marriages were arranged by the families or by persons other than the person actually waiting to be wed. Like the narrator in the article about the Indian family looking to marry off their son, I thought that it was cruel for parents to arrange the marriages of their children, but after reading the article and the claims made by the people whos marriages had been decided by the family, my thoughts changed and I found myself quite curious if maybe it is a better way of doing things. Either way I'm happy in my self-found relationship, but this selection did shed light on the possibility that it is not a bad idea to trust one's family to choose a proper family and spouse for their children to marry into.
Also, marriage seems to me after this reading to be something that is never the same from one culture to another. Princess Diana's marriage may have "included three persons," but had Prince Charles been any other heir to the throne, he would have included many more than that into his marriage. She was quite lucky to have him, but was not satisfied because of her own socialistic virtue. Now, Prince Charles marrying the woman he's really been in love with for 35 years according to the reading, but people will always view this now as a nuisance because they will side with Princess Diana.
Gay marriage is seen as sin and blasphemy in the majority of the world today, but certain states in our United States are beginning to obtain an understanding of the importance of love that they have allowed us to factor into marriage, and the fact that these people are just trying to marry who they love. Homosexuals are not trying to "redefine marriage," but they want their perspective of marriage to be accepted and "recognized" as marriage by the US government so they can live in peace without feeling abnormal or distant from typical society.
Also, marriage seems to me after this reading to be something that is never the same from one culture to another. Princess Diana's marriage may have "included three persons," but had Prince Charles been any other heir to the throne, he would have included many more than that into his marriage. She was quite lucky to have him, but was not satisfied because of her own socialistic virtue. Now, Prince Charles marrying the woman he's really been in love with for 35 years according to the reading, but people will always view this now as a nuisance because they will side with Princess Diana.
Gay marriage is seen as sin and blasphemy in the majority of the world today, but certain states in our United States are beginning to obtain an understanding of the importance of love that they have allowed us to factor into marriage, and the fact that these people are just trying to marry who they love. Homosexuals are not trying to "redefine marriage," but they want their perspective of marriage to be accepted and "recognized" as marriage by the US government so they can live in peace without feeling abnormal or distant from typical society.
Marriage - Becca Libby
Marriage is a touchy subject for a lot of people, simply because many of us have very specific views on what we think it should be. In my opinion though, marriage is about what works for the individual, or doesn't. I already knew somewhat about the arranged marriages in India, but I loved the article and found it very amusing. I love Sita's reaction to the anthropologist's questions about her arranged marriage, mainly because it all made so much sense. Although the arranged marriages work in India, as they have for many years, this process would be a catastrophe in many other cultures. In our culture, we always talk about the in-laws as if they are some horrible infectious disease, "Oh man, my in-laws are coming this weekend, better hide in my room and not come out until they've gone." That sort of thing. I guarantee this happens about 0.001% of the time within Indian families.
For some reason in the US, we have marriage all wrong. What is this people being married for 6 months and then divorcing? I mean really? Marriage is glorified in our culture, and because of this many young girls want to get married and have kids right away and it ends up causing major problems for them later. No wonder in India young people can live their lives without worrying about impressing the opposite sex. They can go to school and get their lives on track before ever having to think about it. I love the variations in marriage between different cultures, these differences are so immense that we cannot give a definition to marriage (as one of the articles states). On of the most interesting things I read was about the women of the Neur, and the same sex marriages. When we think about same-sex marriage in our culture, we automatically assume it is a romantic/sexual relationship. The barren women of the Neur simply marry another women in order to have children and still be a parent. It makes so much sense and gave me a whole new perspective on the subject.
For some reason in the US, we have marriage all wrong. What is this people being married for 6 months and then divorcing? I mean really? Marriage is glorified in our culture, and because of this many young girls want to get married and have kids right away and it ends up causing major problems for them later. No wonder in India young people can live their lives without worrying about impressing the opposite sex. They can go to school and get their lives on track before ever having to think about it. I love the variations in marriage between different cultures, these differences are so immense that we cannot give a definition to marriage (as one of the articles states). On of the most interesting things I read was about the women of the Neur, and the same sex marriages. When we think about same-sex marriage in our culture, we automatically assume it is a romantic/sexual relationship. The barren women of the Neur simply marry another women in order to have children and still be a parent. It makes so much sense and gave me a whole new perspective on the subject.
Marriage - Stephanie Reynolds
Before reading the module materials, I used to think marriage was an essential institution for a male and female to raise children in. After reading all the material though, my perception on marriage has changed. For example, marriage that was likely to have a long-term committment before children was the accepted norm in Western society, now; pretty much anything goes. People have children without that committment or marriage, and it's still seen as acceptable in different societies, including our own, today. Marriage as we know it is not always the right answer, as seen in the Na and southwest Chinese cultures mentioned in the textbook. The Na people do not even have a word for marriage in their language, and they certainly do things differently concerning relationships in their culture. Children are still raised and cared for properly, even though no one in their society is married, even the parents.
In the article about arranged marriages in India, the author seems worried about the young woman, Sita, whose parents are arranging her marriage. I had the same ideas about arranged marriages the author had at first, but I soon saw the subject in a more positive light. Many couples today go through some sort of process of falling in love, breaking up, getting back together again, and possibly getting married after all that. Some singles have to date different singles, or even sometimes married people, before finding the "right one," if that even happens at all. Sheesh, it does seems a lot better for the parents to do the searching, and the young person to worry about the details and getting to know the other person later. Like Sita said; she was able to enjoy her life and pursue her goals instead of constantly worry about finding her Prince Charming. Seeing young people make rash decisions, and sometimes regretting them, because he/she was "in love" seems to make arranged marriages a good solution.
My understanding of marriage has changed considerably from reading the materials in this module. Even though I still think being in a HEALTHY marriage provides a more stable environment to raise a family in, but that "marriage" can be defined in different ways. From arranged marriages to gay marriages, and even with no marriage; each society has its own ideas surrounding relationships. Like gay or arranged marriages, you might not agree or approve of them, but they still exist. Each society has its own set of marriage rules as well, such as incest taboos, mentioned in the textbook. Also, each society has its own ways to deal with illegitimate children, abuse/neglect, divorce, and rape/molestation, which could occur. Western society may not see eye-to-eye with the other society's methods or consequences surrounding these issues, but that doesn't neccessarily make them wrong.
In the article about arranged marriages in India, the author seems worried about the young woman, Sita, whose parents are arranging her marriage. I had the same ideas about arranged marriages the author had at first, but I soon saw the subject in a more positive light. Many couples today go through some sort of process of falling in love, breaking up, getting back together again, and possibly getting married after all that. Some singles have to date different singles, or even sometimes married people, before finding the "right one," if that even happens at all. Sheesh, it does seems a lot better for the parents to do the searching, and the young person to worry about the details and getting to know the other person later. Like Sita said; she was able to enjoy her life and pursue her goals instead of constantly worry about finding her Prince Charming. Seeing young people make rash decisions, and sometimes regretting them, because he/she was "in love" seems to make arranged marriages a good solution.
My understanding of marriage has changed considerably from reading the materials in this module. Even though I still think being in a HEALTHY marriage provides a more stable environment to raise a family in, but that "marriage" can be defined in different ways. From arranged marriages to gay marriages, and even with no marriage; each society has its own ideas surrounding relationships. Like gay or arranged marriages, you might not agree or approve of them, but they still exist. Each society has its own set of marriage rules as well, such as incest taboos, mentioned in the textbook. Also, each society has its own ways to deal with illegitimate children, abuse/neglect, divorce, and rape/molestation, which could occur. Western society may not see eye-to-eye with the other society's methods or consequences surrounding these issues, but that doesn't neccessarily make them wrong.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Potlatches
Potlatches are an example of redistribution where goods are collected from, or contributed by, members of a group then given out to the larger group in a new pattern. All of the examples given in this week's discussion are similar to potlatches. A few of you discussed potlucks. These are good examples of redistribution because dishes are contributed by the members of a group, and then given out to the group in a new pattern - everyone in the group gets a bit of each dish.
Potlatches work as a means of redistributing wealth in large part because they are tied to prestige. Village leaders increase their prestige in their village and in the region by throwing elaborate potlatches. While the end result is to redistribute wealth, prestige is the motivator.
The two key characteristics of a potlatch are that it involves a redistribution of wealth and is tied to increased prestige for those who throw the potlatch. In our society there are many examples where people are driven by the desire for prestige to spend a lot of money on others. Good examples of this , mentioned by a few of you would be weddings. With weddings we see a redistribution of wealth in a number of ways. First, the individual or individuals who hold the wedding - often parents of the bride - are providing an evening of food and entertainment for the guests. Sometimes there is a big show about the gift given to the newly married couple. That is also a redistribution of wealth. The prestige aspect is also often present. The newly married couple is granted the social prestige of their parents. The bigger and more elaborate the party, the higher the status (or desired status) of those paying for the wedding.
Many birthday parties are as much a show as weddings. Parents try to outdo each other with the birthday parties they throw for their children. Wealth is redistributed through gifts given to all party goers as well as to the child having the birthday.
Another example is charitable giving. Oftentimes there is a big todo about those who give a great deal of money to help others. Some philanthropists go as far as to start their own foundation, named after themselves, to provide assistance and/or funds to others. Wealth is redistributed and the status and prestige of the giver is boosted.
Great discussion!
Potlatches work as a means of redistributing wealth in large part because they are tied to prestige. Village leaders increase their prestige in their village and in the region by throwing elaborate potlatches. While the end result is to redistribute wealth, prestige is the motivator.
The two key characteristics of a potlatch are that it involves a redistribution of wealth and is tied to increased prestige for those who throw the potlatch. In our society there are many examples where people are driven by the desire for prestige to spend a lot of money on others. Good examples of this , mentioned by a few of you would be weddings. With weddings we see a redistribution of wealth in a number of ways. First, the individual or individuals who hold the wedding - often parents of the bride - are providing an evening of food and entertainment for the guests. Sometimes there is a big show about the gift given to the newly married couple. That is also a redistribution of wealth. The prestige aspect is also often present. The newly married couple is granted the social prestige of their parents. The bigger and more elaborate the party, the higher the status (or desired status) of those paying for the wedding.
Many birthday parties are as much a show as weddings. Parents try to outdo each other with the birthday parties they throw for their children. Wealth is redistributed through gifts given to all party goers as well as to the child having the birthday.
Another example is charitable giving. Oftentimes there is a big todo about those who give a great deal of money to help others. Some philanthropists go as far as to start their own foundation, named after themselves, to provide assistance and/or funds to others. Wealth is redistributed and the status and prestige of the giver is boosted.
Great discussion!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Marriage
For this week (September 26 - 30), read Chapter 7 in your text and the following articles:
Arranging a Marriage in India
What's Love Got to Do With It?
Gay Marriage and Anthropology
Discussion Question
How has your understanding of marriage and the reasons people marry changed after reading this modules material? Reference the readings in your response.
Respond to at least two of your classmates.
Watch for the quiz over Chapter 7 later in the week. The quiz should be completed by October 2
Arranging a Marriage in India
What's Love Got to Do With It?
Gay Marriage and Anthropology
Discussion Question
How has your understanding of marriage and the reasons people marry changed after reading this modules material? Reference the readings in your response.
Respond to at least two of your classmates.
Watch for the quiz over Chapter 7 later in the week. The quiz should be completed by October 2
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Potlatches-Dawn D
There are three general characteristics of potlatch type societies. One is the presence of a rank system composed of positions, which are embodied in names, in the ownership of property and ceremonial paraphernalia, and in the political power to control other individuals. The second characteristic is the presence of ceremonies at death or at the other times when large scale distributions take place which serve to validate positions of rank. And the third is that one always potlatches to ones affined.
Today we celebrate numerous different forms of potlatches from Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Most of the potlatches that we celebrate have a major feast involved. Food choices vary from each potlatch or holiday as we call them. These holidays don’t just stop with a feast; they entail gifting, and a quality time for family.
Quiz
I cannot get to the quiz, does anyone know how to get to it? It said it was due it was due on Sunday the 23, but I guess that must have been a typo.
Potlatch
From what I have read, potlatch is a great celebration in which food and gifts are given to friends and family. For Americans, we have Thanksgiving, where someone invites friends and family over for a great feast. However, Thanksgiving isn't the only form of potlatch for the modern American. Forms of potlatch, can be found in today's society everyday; weddings, baby showers, and birthdays.
Not only does the term potlatch share similarities to modern day celebration, another term has been derived from it. A potluck, for instance , is a gathering of people, bringing food and entertainment together. This is just the same as the Pacific Northwest Indians did in days of yore.
In conclusion, potlatch is celebrated by more than just Pacific indians and in more than one form. It shows us the importance of coming together as friends and know where to get some free food.
Not only does the term potlatch share similarities to modern day celebration, another term has been derived from it. A potluck, for instance , is a gathering of people, bringing food and entertainment together. This is just the same as the Pacific Northwest Indians did in days of yore.
In conclusion, potlatch is celebrated by more than just Pacific indians and in more than one form. It shows us the importance of coming together as friends and know where to get some free food.
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