World News 02.07.13

• NORTH KOREA: Bizarre anti-American propaganda video released by government (New York Times)
• INTERNATIONAL: How countries compensate their teachers (Upworthy)
• MEXICO: Amid rising cartel violence, Mexico City emerges as a relative safe haven for citizens (Atlantic)
• CHINA: Cage homes highlight Hong Kong's poverty (Yahoo! News)
• TUNISIA: Nation in upheaval after the assassination of a leading opposition figure (CNN)
• UNITED KINGDOM: In the first of a series of votes, British parliament passes legislation legalizing same-sex marriage (Reuters)

Reflection 02: Culture Shock—Cultural Appropriation and Religious Symbols

Cultural appropriation is the act of one culture "incorporating" aspects of another culture into its own. However, this is different than American hip-hop adopting Bollywood moves or fusing Thai ingredients into Mexican cuisine. In cultural appropriation, a dominant group assimilates aspects of a foreign culture without regard to their original use or intent. In other words, parts of one culture might be absorbed into another in insensitive (even offensive) ways, often for their perceived exoticism or cool factor. This practice extends to the religious and spiritual practices of other cultures, as well. Thus, in America, we've seen hipsters embrace Dia de los Muertos, the popularization of sacred Maori symbols as tattoos, celebrities sporting Kabbalah string bracelets, and the labeling of a clean, Asian-influenced design as "Zen" style. Each of these is misunderstood and, in turn, misapplied; and yet each has seeped into our pop culture. How have you seen the religious or sacred iconography of other cultures absorbed into the American mainstream? And what of those instances when a particular culture is offended by the use of their religious imagery in the mainstream, such as No Doubt's recent Native American controversy. What is the line between simply borrowing, often sacred, cultural artifacts and misusing them? For example, can we truly understand the traditions of Ojibwa dreamcatchers when they're worn as earrings, or respect Hindu principles when we do yoga with our dogs?

Include at least three of the following in your discussion:

• "A Much Needed Primer on Cultural Appropriation" (Jezebel)
• "Cultural Appropriation: Homage or Insult?" (Racialicious)
• "Hands Off My Gods" (Time)
• "Kanji Tattoos are Primarily for Western Eyes” (Japan Times)
• "On Hipsters/Hippies and Native Culture" (Bitch)  
• "Día de los Muertos: Cultural Appropriation Meets Craft" (ONTD Feminism)

Requirements:

• Be in MLA Style
• Be two full pages in length
• Works cited page
  

Find a sample reflection HERE.

Due: Th 02.14

WEEK 03: INDIA

“How can the mind take hold of such a country? Generations 

of invaders have tried, but they remain in exile. The important 

towns they build are only retreats, their quarrels the malaise 

of men who cannot find their way home. India knows of their 

trouble. She knows the whole world’s trouble, to its uttermost 

depth. She calls “Come” through her hundred mouths, through 

objects ridiculous and august. But come to what? She is not a 

promise, only an appeal.” 

—EM Forster, A Passage to India

WEEK 03: INDIA
Read: FOREVERS—Part 2: The Business of Burning

Tu 02.05
Lecture—“Writing as a Process, Pt. 2”

Th 02.07
DIAGNOSTIC ESSAY

UPCOMING:

WEEK 04: CHILE
Read: FOREVERS—Part 3: A Little Wildness

Tu 02.12
Reading discussion; Lecture—“Citing Sources in MLA: The Basics”

Th 02.14
Reading discussion; Lecture—“MLA Style 101”
Due: REFLECTION 02