Good work thus far guys and gals. I really enjoy how this forum is shaping up. In the posts, I try to include links to various items of interest, so look out for them; they will be either text in blue or red. These are just supplemental things that kind of help construct what I'm talking about.
OK, I'm interested to see how Native-Americans make connections to their heritage. If you think about it, we all do this in some way. I, being Polish, do so through a lot of different types of ethnic foods and what not. I also have a strange infatuation with Polka music. I also like going to different festivals-- Irish Festivals, German Festivals, etc-- and watch the folks get up in their old-time garb, listen to 'their' music and dance and do all of that fun stuff. Obviously, we don't see Irish or German people walk around in kilts or lederhosen all the time.
Still, I think, in a lot of ways, this is what we think of when we think of Native-Americans. We picture a culture that is static, stuck in the past as though it were something behind the glass wall in a museum. We think, head dress, war paint, feathers and so on. For instance, when we read the story about the Indian Princess, the foster family was surprised to see a 'real live Indian.' But Arletta was obviously appalled by this so-called Indian. So it seems as though the Rapiers connect to Native-American tradition and heritage one way while actual Native-Americans do so quite differently. Again, I'm interested in what you folks think. How does Arletta, or Ray, or any other Native-American character connect to their past? Is this so different then the way we do it? How? Don't be afraid to get personal and talk about your own family traditions and what not.
In a few of the classes, we also looked at ways pop-culture can experiment with these connections. I posted a video of the Neil Young song we listened to in class, 'Goin Home.' (This probably won't work inside school) The video quality isn't the best, but the audio is pretty good. You can see him wearing a Geronimo shirt. There are a lot of great close ups of Neil playing Old Black, his famous guitar.
Watching Neil play in concert is really cool--he plays with so much energy and enthusiasm and passion. It adds another dimension to his songs. OK, enough of me rambling about one of my heroes (he wouldn't like it anyway). How does pop-culture--music, movies, poetry, literature, etc--achieve or create identities for certain cultures, groups and communities? Is it effective? Does it enable people outside of those communities to connect with the respective cultures? In other words, can this stuff broaden our own perspectives and help us make connections to other cultures? Let me know how you feel.
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Obviously in the story about the indian princess, Arletta doesn't connect with her culture through these stereotypes made by everyone else. It seems as though she connects with her past through stories and customs provided to her wen she was living with her real parents. In the story, Arletta always has hope that her mother would come back looking for her and take her home. So this shows me that her mother must've had positive influence on her in showing her ways of her past culture. Truly, this isn't much different from ow we connect with our past today. For example, whenever I want to know more about my past I talk to my grandparents and listen to all of their stories. Now, I wouldn't go around wearing green all the time or making a huge deal out of St. Patricks Day just because I'm Irish. Although I do respect it, I'm not going with the certain stereotypes that people may have in their heads either. Also because I'm part irish, I wouldn't want people just thinking of the potato famine, when they hear the word Irish, just the same as Arletta or Ray wouldn't want someone to ask them if they still attend pow-wows and wear headdresses, war paint, and feathers just because they're Indian.
ReplyDeletePeople are always getting images in their head of what someone from a different cultures should look like, but really it is never like that. I remember one time someone asked me if I naturally had red hair since i am Irish. I just looked at them because you could obviously tell that my hair was naturally brown. They also even asked me if I ever tanned or if I always just stayed pail. Now when people think of Native Americans the image they get in their head is the worst. I think this might be because no one really talks about Native Americans that much. Like at school everyone learns about Thanksgiving day in Kindergarden and thats about it. And the images you see of Native Americans then are the one with the head dresses and the feathers. But i think that the way Native Americans and the way a lot of other cultures connect to their heritage is similar. Today no one really connects to their heritage through the way they dress. Now people connect to their heritage by food, relatives, and sometimes even language.
ReplyDeleteI always find it interesting when artists try to make a statement through their music. Heck, that's what a majority of music is. People just expressing how they feel. A lot of times you hear songs that put down a certain culture. It's kind of like Sweet Home Alabama by Lynard Skynard.They preach about the south and slavery and how good it is. On the other hand you have guys like Neil Young who try to make a statement and back up these cultures with his music. I believe that if you have enough followers and believers, you can make a difference. It only takes one person to believe and the rest of it will come.
ReplyDeletei being a singer/songwriter have mad respect for artists that represent there veiws, ideas, and opinions through there lyrics. artist like Neil Young are very influential in this catagory of lyrics because they convey there ideas in ways that are neither hurtful, nor persuasive to the common listener.
ReplyDeletei being a singer/songwriter have mad respect for artists that represent there veiws, ideas, and opinions through there lyrics. artist like Neil Young are very influential in this catagory of lyrics because they convey there ideas in ways that are neither hurtful, nor persuasive to the common listener.
ReplyDelete-conner turk
yo i feel that music is a very infuential way of puting out a message, but in recent days many artisit have shyed away from content in their music to plain old non-sense
ReplyDeletemohamed wali
I believe anyone can sing a song about how they feel their culture is. For someone to stereotype another culture/ethnicity isn't right. People practice their cultures however you want to nowadays. To catergorize an Indian as always wearing a headdress or war paint would be wrong because in recent years you would never see a native american walking around in that and they would take it as an offensive comment. I agree with JDM14 because most people do not portray their heritage in their apparel anymore, but in what they eat or the language they speak.
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of difficult for me myself to know how Native-Americans make connections with their culture. I think in some cases I have seen it's just the pride they have in themselves and openly identifying themselves as Native American. I think that pop culture and music is a great way to express opinions on a lot of matters. Many people sing about opression, discrimination, and politics. I think it is a great source to express your opinions and get them heard.
ReplyDeleteno matter what your culture is, a good way a celebrating it is to remember your ancestors and what they went through. each time i do this i remember who i am and where i came from.
ReplyDeleteIn the story the indian princess not only does Arletta get upset about the indian impersonator but she even exploits it in the car and lets the family know that she will stand up for what she believes in. The family was so blind to what was happening it was frustrating. Though I think this happens more often than we realize. A lot of the time certain ethnic groups tell us over and over no just because these things happen in movies doesn't mean that's really how we live our lives. I personally do not have a lot of traditions I follow from my ethnicity however I do respect my own and others as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Dwile says. When some people watch something in a movie and they then believe that it is the absolute truth. No matter how many times someone tells these people that they are wrong, they continue to believe the lies that they see on television. this is because some people are so stubborn that absolutly nothing can change their beliefs on a particular subject. I am part German but that doesn't mean that I plan on become the next world ruler, or start the next world war, (and no, nobody has ever said this to me but I have heard it a few times).
ReplyDeleteI feel like it's difficult for me to understand how Native Americans connect to their culture. I am definitely not in their shoes--my background is German, English and Swiss. I rarely take part in any kind of ethnic tradition. I think that Native Americans are kind of in a rough spot, though. People want to stereotype them as this group of people that is associated with war paint and headdresses and feathers. When they aren't, they're viewed as distant from their heritage. When they are, they're made fun of and stereotyped. It's not fair either way. I wish everyone could just be respectful of everyone else.
ReplyDeleteArletta and Ray both seem to ignore the streotypes given to them by out siders. people tend to judge someone else by what they hear from one another. it might not always be the right answer but thats just how they judge you. people can be so cruel do to the way your traditions are and your culture. i myslef being different know that my culture is different from most people but i am proud of who i am and i know i'll never want to change myself. i think it is pretty cool when your different, it makes you stand out.
ReplyDeleteI agree with JDM14 about many points. I think that many people when they think Native Americans, they think bow and arrow and feathers, but thats because its rare to see Native Americans so we just picture what we learned when we were younger, like pocahontas. I also think that many cultures now dont exactly dress like we might picture them. For example, I found what looked like German clothes in the back of my closet one day and asked my mom whose they were and she said that they were my Grandma's from when she lived in Germany. My Grandma doesn't dress any different then anybody else now, but she still speaks German and cooks weird German food. I think a lot of cultures still connect through food and language, but not so much image.
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ReplyDeletei think Ray and Arlette would both like to connect to there past, but in there own ways. they don't wont someone else to try and do it for them, like the fake necklace for ray, or the fake Indian man for Arlette. but if they had a real way to do it by them self, i think it would be a much more positive thing for them.
ReplyDeletei think it would be a little unfair to give a general means of connection for all Native Americans as it would be to suggest that all persons of any culture connect to their pasts the same way. i am polish as well but i would not suggest that mr. j and i connect with our heritages in the same manner (e.g. i do not enjoy polka music...at all). there are definitely similar ways in which people connect through fairs or large gatherings of individuals of the same heritage but aside from these, everyone has their own personal means of getting in touch with their heritage. i find a parallel with religion here. i may worship the same god as another person, and we may attend the same church, but the way that i pray in my home is probably different than the way the other person prays. i won't try and speak to the means that native americans have to connect to their culture because i honestly have no knowledge of their practices but i believe that aside from large gatherings, everyone has different practices of connecting to their past
ReplyDeleteLooking back to the first few days we started taking about Native Americans in class, we brainstormed what we think of that culture and descriptions such as bows and arrows, Pocahontas, and tribal dances were brought up. I think these are popular images for my generation because it's so uncommon to be around that culture. It's hard for me to relate to this topic or give my opinion because my family is mostly German and does not take part in traditions of that culture. However, I think music is a good tool to use to portray pain, suffering, injustice that is going on with different cultures to alert the "normal" society on other types of people. It's a good way to get opinions heard and hopefully bring awareness to others.
ReplyDeleteArletta is completely in awe with the way the Rapiers are treating her. I would seriously have hated to be Arletta in that situation. For me, I'm Irish. I love my heritage. Do i run around dying my hair red or wearing pointy ears dressed in green all the time? No! I love my heritage. Lately i've gotten more in touch with my heritage. I think Ray needs to get in touch with her heritage as well.
ReplyDeleteWe as a society need to get these sterotypes of other cultures out of our heads. I think it's good to recoginize where you came from by participating in your cultures' traditions, but everyone might do it in a different way. which is good. We should respect what other cultures do, but be aware that it's made up of individuals and don't assume what they should or shouldn't be/look like/do.
ReplyDeleteNo matter who you soceity always has stereoytpes of what they think you should be. I never have really thought much about the Native American culture, but its true that when you think of Native Americans you think of head dresses and warpaint. Its bad that soceity has these stereotypes because most of the time they arent even true. Its sad that people are automatically judged just because of their race or ethnicity. I think its very important to recoginze who you are and where you came from. You can teach the truth to those who are not fimilar with your heritage; that way they can block out all the rediculous stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom's side of the family is mainly Italian. Notice the dark, wavy hair and larger, crooked nose. We have always embraced our heritage, especially in the food we eat. At almost every dinner we have pasta, and yes sometimes I twirl my pasta on a spoon. I have done the double cheek kiss greeting before, too. I definitely would not be the same person I am today if I had not known my true heritage. Personally I believe that movies do a poor job of portraying other cultures. Unless the movie was made in that country by people from that country I believe that it doesn't give that culture justice.
ReplyDeleteI respect that way back in the day artists wold write their songs about their opinions and views of the world, and their life styles. However the music we hear today, its all a bunch of nonsense. about gangs fighting, a guy cheating on a girl, a girl getting revenge. Is this all that our world means to us? These songs may have catchy tunes, but are they sending the right message? Our world is much more than who's cheating on who and who's getting revenge. I'm sure that if someone were to sit down and listen to the music of today, all they would hear is abunch of profiling against, race, religion, gender, and age. Musicians need to teach us more about where they come from and what they believe rather that sensless crap.
ReplyDeletei think every culture has its stereo types and theres alway people out there to try to put others down because of there culture. so when people of higher status such as musician are able to support culture through music i feel its very empowering and helps those looking for it. Music is on of the most powerful ways to get a point across and those who use it in a positive way open doors for many others
ReplyDeleteI think that the culture of the united states still has a lot of stereotypes. The musicians are looked upon as someone that is important and careful that they do not abuse it. If they stay away from stereotypes then they can empower people and their societies.
ReplyDeleteI could relate to this alot because people think im all kinds of different races. Theyll ask if im middle eastern or white and black or puerto rican etc. But when i tell them im black they dont believe me, especial black people. They always say yeah right or no way, and im thinking the reason they think that is because the way i dress or the music i listen to or how i act. It gets annoying somtimes how they never believe me but i get through it. It just shows that there are many stereotypes about alot of different cultures.
ReplyDeleteI think that pop culture is a really good way for people to get their oppions and views out there. It's a really good way for everyone to express themselves and give others a view into their world or how they feel about a ceritain subject. Since the U.S. is full of sterotypes I think that people (especially young people) need a way to express themselves and know that they're not alone.
ReplyDeletePeople always want to connect to their past so as to not loose their ties to certain family members. In the story Indian Princess the Rapiers were told to keep her close to her heritage and for them that was that crappy little hut with the fake Indian. I think that some people don't want anything to do with their past, for me my past is a very hard thing and i prefer not to try and connect with it unless i have to. Some people may think that thaat is stupid but its my choice, but i do connect with it i may not like it and try to run away from it as often as possible but I know where I can from and I know that I don't want to end up there. This may not be the case for everyone though.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when a person from a different race or ethnicity makes a name for themself others tend to go off of what they see that person doing and make their own assumptions of what the rest of their people are like. This can relate to the first question because a lot of people think they can make a statement that all black people get in trouble with the law. While that may be true for some, it isn't true for me.
ReplyDeletei think it is cool how he tell people what on his mind through his music. through music people get thre feeling and opinions out
ReplyDeletei feel that man people express themselves in many ways and how Neil Young does his expression is through music, however what i really like is how he attempts to make a connection with job and passion and with his ethnicity. Another thing is that he uses historically references in his song. for example when the native americans signed a paper and not know what they were signing and how the they felt betrayed.
ReplyDeleteMusic and food and other thing create the culture as a whole. Every culture has its own and unique styles. It is effedctive because if you are from a culture it allows you to feel connected to your fellow people and feel like you have a sense of entitlement to you culture. I think because there are so many different kinds of cultures that you can connect to other ones by comparing certain parts of your culture to other cultures.
ReplyDeleteMany places we go and many people we meet carry there heritage in some way with them. If we go to certain resturants many of them have there cultures music playing such as, mexicans, chinese and even southern folks like my self! Many of our culuturs are deffiently unique in there own way,and i feel that the people represttring it are the only ones who truly know the meaning behind them. Many of these songs as welll as food is a good way for people in the culuture get connected to others, as well as if we went to a festival or resturant, or even country! We all come togethER AND mix which hgelps us understand one anothers!
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me most of these characters do not follow the sterotypes of their cultures and are very offended when sterotyped.In our culture we have holidays and festivals that show our culture, but we usually don't use it everyday. I feel that in some ways pop culture is bad and some ways goods. Some people use it negatively for the attention and create bad sterotypes. While others use it for a message they are trying to get across. It is a very effective, because these are the people we look up to.
ReplyDeleteI like the way he is so into the song and he really expresses his opinions. Pop culture is a great way to show how people feel about certain subjects.
ReplyDeleteI think that music is the perfect way to express one's culture, or even self. Music is such a central focus in our society, so it is easy for others to discover and listen to one's music, and hopefully enjoy it, and share it with others to make it spread. I cannot think of any Native American songs that I, personally, know. This may be a stereotype, but most hip hop and R&B could be seen and the black community expressing themselves adn their culture.
ReplyDeleteI feel that music and lyrics is a great way of expressing the way they feel about life.
ReplyDeleteI being native american, don't really have any cultural traditions within my family, yes i know you all are probably disappointed to know that i don't go home to a teepee, or a hut; and that every time it rains, it's not because Joe Baucum did his rain dance; and no, buffalo don't really have wings -_-....hahah racists
ReplyDeletejkjk
but really I don't have any traditions.
pop culture could be a good way to express feelings, but i feel could also bring along fads in which people fake the way they feel, or act to be "cool" lol but at the same time it could be a great way to get a point across.
After hearing mr. j talk about neil young, i looked into his lyrics, and they are really strong, and blunt, ahaha but they get the point across, and i think that's what he was going for.