Mardi Gras: Urban and Rural Term Paper

Looks at the unique aspects of urban and rural celebrations of Mardi Gras.
# 145561 | 3,565 words | 8 sources | MLA | 2008 | US
Published on Nov 15, 2010 in Anthropology (Cultural) , Religion and Theology (Christianity) , Sociology (Media and Society) , Gender and Sexuality (General)


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Description:

This paper discusses Mardi Gras celebrations and relates that, because the media most often focuses on parades, sex, drunkenness, and hedonism associated with Mardi Gras, the traditions and meanings of this celebration are often overlooked. The paper describes the history and present day events of the urban Mardi Gras' Krewes, balls and gift-giving and the formal balls and the Tee Mamou groups of the rural Mardi Gras. The paper highlights the gender-directed ways of celebrating the Mardi Gras and the ways that African-Americans now participate.

From the Paper:

"There are many more aspects of male and female interaction then separation in rural Mardi Gras. Interaction between the sexes is not only essential but creates sexual tension, which upholds the silly, crazy, mischievous attitude that is required of runners. One example is the traditional house visits, which bring the traveling celebration to people's homes. A half a century ago, and still today, families stood on the porch waiting for the runners to stop by their house. The purpose of doing this was for the men (and now women) to receive or steal food for the gumbo."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Milhausen, Robin. "A Theory-Based Approach to Understanding Sexual Behavior at Mardi Gras." The Journal of Sex Research. 43 (2006) 97-106
  • Roberts, Robin. "New Orleans Mardi Gras and Gender in Three Krewes: Rex, The Truck Parades, and Muses." Western Folklore. 2006. CNET Networks Inc. 15 September 2008, www.findarticles.com
  • Sexton, Rocky. "Cajun Mardi Gras: Cultural Objectification and Symbolic Appropriation in a French Tradition." Ethnology 38. (1999) 297.
  • Sexton, Rocky. "Ritualized Inebriation, Violence, and Social Control in Cajun Mardi Gras." Anthropological Quarterly. 74 (2001) 28-38.
  • Shrum, Wesley. "Ritual Disrobement at Mardi Gras: Ceremonial Exchange and Moral Order." Social Forces. 75 (1996) 423-458.

Cite this Term Paper:

APA Format

Mardi Gras: Urban and Rural (2010, November 15) Retrieved May 27, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/term-paper/mardi-gras-urban-and-rural-145561/

MLA Format

"Mardi Gras: Urban and Rural" 15 November 2010. Web. 27 May. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/term-paper/mardi-gras-urban-and-rural-145561/>

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