This paper gives a cross-cultural analysis of the indigenous peoples of the BaMbuti tribe in Africa. This paper focuses on examples from their politics, economics and religion from a functionalist's perspective.
Abstract In his ethnography "The Forest People," Colin Turnbull has done an excellent job of providing details of the different aspects of the BaMbuti. This essay gives a descriptive analysis of three cultural traits of the BaMbuti's culture from a functionalist perspective. The three topics discussed in this paper include politics, economics, and religion. There are many examples that could be included within each topic; however, for the purpose of this paper, it focuses mainly on one particular example for each section.
From the Paper "With regards to political organization, the BaMbuti is a tightly knit hunter-gatherer tribe that has its own unique set of checks and balances. From a structural-functionalist perspective, peoples of the BaMbuti have no formal political authority; there are neither formal written laws, nor law enforcement agencies needed in the BaMbuti's relatively simple social structure. To the BaMbuti, cooperation is key concerning decisions affecting the group as a whole (Turnbull 124)."
This paper explores the portrayal of female figures in art and myth, focusing on the Medusa myth and the castrating power of the female gaze and their effect of the female self-image.
Abstract The paper reviews in detail the image of Medusa that pits femininity and masculinity against each other and allowing masculinity to triumph. The paper continues by stating that the gaze of the painted female subject often is depicted with her eyes either diverted from the viewer, or coyly regarding him. The author states that myths like the Medusa myth and the female gaze instruct women that their sexuality is something to be suppressed, that a powerful woman is a dangerous woman, and that the male will triumph in the end.
From the Paper "Though the familiar image of Medusa as a serpent-haired monster is attributed to the Greeks, the myth of Medusa actually has its roots in pre-classical Mediterranean culture. In the matriarchal societies that existed before Greek civilization, Medusa was far from reviled as she was by the Greeks; instead, she was worshipped as a beautiful mother deity who symbolized wisdom, fertility, and female power. With the advent of Greek civilization, the existing gynocentric religion and mythology were compelled to adapt to the new patriarchal value system."
Abstract This paper examines "Culture and Imperialism" by Edward Said, illustrating imperialism through various modes of culture. The paper outlines Said's explanation that imperialism is an ideology that justifies, supports, and legitimates the conquest, control, and domination of lands that are inhabited by other people, who speak different languages and have other traditions. The paper also describes various literary works of the same time period and claims that Said viewed imperialism as the central theme of European literature in the 19th century.
From the Paper "Edward Said's Culture and Imperialism postulates that imperialism is not about a moment in history, but rather, about a continuing, interdependent relationship between a people and the dominant peoples and the dominant dialogue of an empire. Said sees "the disputed value of knowledge about imperialism . . . (as) a compellingly important and interesting configuration in the world of power and nations. There is no question," he insists, "that in the past decade the extraordinarily intense reversion to tribal and religious sentiments all over the world has accompanied and deepened many of the discrepancies among polities that have continued since . . . the period of high European imperialism.? "
Tags: 19th, century, colonialism, european, history, ideology, literature, traditions
Examines the origins, evolution & demise of this civilization. Discusses their cultural achievements, politics, social structure, economics and religion. Looks at how it was influenced by the Spanish conquest and diseases.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 6 sources, 1999, $ 79.95
From the Paper "The Mayan
This paper will discuss the origin of Mayan society, and how the Mayan civilization grew. The text will analyze how the Mayan society eventually fell apart as well as some of the factors which led to the eventual collapse of this civilization.
The rise and fall of the Mayan civilizations is divided into seven major time periods. The first period is when the earliest Mayan Chiefdoms were formed, in approximately 1500 B.C. This period, called the Early and Preclassic period, extended until 400 B.C. After this came the Late Preclassic period in which the earliest statutes were found carved by Mayans in the southern Maya area. During the Late Preclassic era, the earliest monuments with Long Count dates were erected and the beautiful city of Tikal was founded by a royal Mayan leader (Yax Moch Xoc) (Sharer, xi)."
This paper discusses Aztec cannibalism in Mesoamerica now part of Mexico: Human sacrifice and eating of remains, causes, theories and religious aspects.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 8 sources, 1991, $ 87.95
From the Paper "The Aztec Empire existed in a region of Mesoamerica which is now part of Mexico. In the early sixteenth century, Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernan Cortes, conquered the Aztec people and destroyed their culture as it existed at the time. One of the most shocking aspects of that culture to the Spaniards was the fact that the Aztecs practiced human sacrifice on a massive scale. The invaders were further shocked when they realized that the Aztec Indians also routinely engaged in cannibalism with the remains from their human sacrifices. In addition to the eyewitness accounts of the Spanish conquistadors, there is evidence of both human sacrifice and cannibalism to be found in the ancient writings of the Aztec people themselves. These writings show that the Aztecs had a religious motive in undertaking human sacrifices. They believed that if their gods were not periodically ... "
From the Paper "This study will provide a summary of Colin M. Turnbull's The Forest People: A Study of the Pygmies of the Congo. Turnbull has a deep respect for the Pygmies of the Ituri Forest in the Congo after living with them for years, and his emphasis in the book is on life as seen, experienced and loved by the Pygmies themselves:
This book tries to convey something of the lives and feelings of a people who live in a forest world, something of their intense love for that world and their trust in it. It is a world that will soon be gone forever, and with it the people (5).
Turnbull wants to show the reader how the people themselves feel about their world, the forest, the sounds, the animal and plant life, their culture, their practices, social system and beliefs. Outsiders---even villagers who live near the forest--..."
Abstract This paper explores the caste system in Indian society, focusing on the lowest class of humans, the 'chandalas' or the 'untouchables' who are the mixed offspring of different castes. The paper provides an historical background of the caste system which came into being around 600-664CE. It then looks at the situation of the untouchables who are denied many social and religious privileges and the role the Indian government plays in trying to intervene to overcome this discrimination. The paper discusses the future of the caste system, especially the situation of the disadvantaged.
From the Paper "The longevity of the caste system is rooted in traditional Hindu thinking. The caste system was not born overnight, but had evolved over three millennia, adapting to the innumerable migrations and invasions of diverse peoples, before becoming what it is today (Paz 44). Thus, the Indian government has an uphill battle in attempting to overturn the prejudices of the caste system. Apart from increasing the quotas of the jobs to the backward classes and the scheduled castes, the government should improve their access to education ("Casting" 18). Currently, only 62% of Indians complete primary education with less than half enrolled in secondary school. In order to promote the causes of the disadvantaged classes, education will be a key factor in enabling them to rise above the prejudices of the caste system. Furthermore, with the rise of urbanization and Western influence, the power of the caste system has diminished in the cities. In the distant future, the ideal Indian society can be created?one that respects the essential role of the caste system in endowing each individual with a sense of lineage and identity, without the dire discrimination perpetrated against the backward classes and the scheduled castes."
Abstract Sherman Alexie, in his book "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven", takes the role of the storyteller in society, the one who puts the attitudes and concerns of the community into narrative form. The paper shows that Alexie is dealing directly with the role of the storyteller in Native American society and how that role affects the social order, is fed by that same order and both conveys and creates myths as a result. The paper shows that a theme that recurs in the stories in this collection concerns the birthright of the Indian and the way it has been compromised by white society, which seeks to adapt it to its own uses.
From the Paper "Poverty is another theme in this book, for poverty is the condition to which the people on the reservation have become accustomed as they have become more alienated from their birthright. This is also a condition passed from father to son: "On Christmas Eve when he was five, Victor's father wept because he didn't have any money for gifts" ("Every Little Hurricane" 4). This is another reason for the alcoholism, which in turn contributes to the poverty. A deadly cycle is thus created, a cycle that continues from one generation to the next with little sign of any change. There is some memory of earlier times when Indians believed they had achieved something by selling land or oil rights to whites, but that was an illusion. Poverty is the reality and alcohol the way to make it all seem better: "He thought one more beer could save the world.""
Abstract Ancient civilizations have had a diverse history in respect to homosexuality. Two of the most dominant civilizations of the early Western civilizations were also quite different in how they perceived homosexuality. The Greeks saw a loving, often sexual, relationship between an older man and a younger man or boy to be a nurturing part of citizen-building. The Romans, however, perceived all sex and all male behavior as an opportunity for establishing domination over others. While both cultures accepted homosexuality to differing degrees and for different reasons, it was during the course of the Roman Empire that homosexuality became more frequently unacceptable in an increasing number of contexts. It is the purpose of this paper to examine the differences between Greek and Roman homosexuality.
Abstract This paper critiques and analyzes Mary Douglas's major work, "Natural Symbols: Explorations in Cosmology", and looks at the main thesis of the book, which revolves around the idea that rules of physical body turn into natural symbols for decoding the norms of the society.
From the Paper "Douglas believes natural symbols play an important role in determining the nature of various social and religious rituals and practices. How we perceive a norm is connected with how we view bodily functions and vice versa. In this book, the author gives us an explanation of how our perception of human bodily functions is an extension of different social experiences."
Abstract This paper presents an examination of how Beverly Newbold Chinas, the anthropologist-narrator of "La Zandunga" came to understand the Zapotec culture in Mexico during the 1960s. The paper examines how what she learned in her field work differed from classroom experience.
Tags: Mexico, anthropology, cultural barriers, friendship, women, marketplace
Abstract This paper discusses "Guns, Germs, and Steel" by Jared Diamond and analyzes the author's conception of the influence of geography and history on people and society. It explains that the author's framework is also applied to an aspect of contemporary U.S. society namely, the rise of technology in the Silicon Valley.
From the Paper "In "Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies", Jared Diamond offers a theoretical framework to understand why Eurasian cultures developed agriculture metal tools, writing and state government compared to other continent ..."
Tags: food, disease, Eurasia, science, climate, technology, conflict, government
Abstract This paper examines the impact of stigma on attitudes about HIV/AIDS. The author points out relating cultural norms and customs and treatment. The paper explores public health policies in various societies worldwide.
From the Paper "HIV is both a medical and societal problem. HIV attacks and breaks down the body's immune system weakening or destroying protection against illness often life-threatening. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) occurs if people with HIV develop a badly damaged immune system or one of the serious infections connected with HIV. According to the United Nations, an estimated ...million people are living with HIV and two million are children. Three million people died of AIDS in with more than five million infected with the disabling disease. Clinton ..."
Abstract This paper discusses how historically the concept of the single parent family in the United States has led to the belief that when one individual attempts to raise a child there will be hardships and family failure. This is contended because of the reliance of the family on one income and the dual roles that many single parents are forced to play in raising their children. Single mothers act as caregiver disciplinarian financial head of household and housekeeper. The paper further discusses how in addition to these responsibilities most single moms have full-time jobs, and statistics indicate that the majority of single mothers in the country receive no financial support from fathers. Yet, despite the abundance of negative elements that may be possible in the world of the single parent, there is an absolute possibility of success for the single parent to raise a family in this country.
Abstract This paper examines the sociological and anthropological implications inherent in the commonplace ritual of a youth football match. Particularly, the paper describes a recent match involving two teams that coincidentally happened to have certain ethnic majorities on their roster. The paper examines why winning this match was so important to the parents and families of the children, and the paper also looks at the social organization, cultural economy, language, and semiotics of the soccer match ritual with an eye towards determining the greater truths and significances it holds.
From the Paper "It is often said that to truly understand cultures (and human beings more generally) it is necessary to review the rituals in which they participate. The following paper will focus upon one such ritual - namely, the ritual of the local soccer or "football" game which so often takes place at the near-by park or recreational center. In so doing, the paper will explore the social organization, cultural economy, language and semiotics of the ritual with the hope that the reader will be left with a better understanding of the deeper significances and structures which turn the every-day soccer or "football" match into a rich harvest for cultural anthropologists."
