Week 5: Organization of Family Systems

The subject of my interview was my mother. Her name is Willie Nixon and she is 71 years of age. Willie is of African (father) and Choctaw Indian (mother) descent. Opelika, Alabama is where she was born, in 1944. Willie was raised with her mother, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. The family owned the land, in which they lived. Becoming a teenager lead her to follow her older sisters to Anniston, Alabama where she currently resides and is a retired hospital Unit Secretary, which she worked for 39 years. Willie has been married for 54 years to my father, Mr. Harvey Nixon Jr., of Greensboro, Alabama.
     Growing up in Opelika, Alabama was the country life. The family owned ten (10) acres of land, three (3) houses, cows, chickens and hogs. Their daily chores consisted of: gathering eggs from the chickens, milking the cows, feeding the hogs, tending the garden and picking crops. I would compared their way of living similar to a small reservation. Some of the older women had outside jobs, such as being maids for Caucasian families. There was racial tensions back then, but owning your own land and minding your own business allowed many Southerns to live at peace, at least that was the case for my family. They sold crops from their gardens, fresh eggs, beef, chicken, pork, baked goods and fresh milk. They provided a service for the community and in turn was able to secure more land for the family.
     I was quite comfortable throughout the interview. There was no time that I felt uncomfortable during the interview. I found it rather fascinating to hear our family history again, and it made me excited to know more. No, this did not affect the thoroughness of my interview, to the contrary it was of assistance to dig deeper into our ancestry. This would have been different interviewing someone that was unrelated to me; due to it may not have interested me as much. Finding information about my ancestry is an adrenaline rush for me. To know where you come from is comforting and it reassures you of family. The interview gave me a sense of pride and a world of information that I may have never known; if I had not done this interview for a class assignment.
     The kinship in my family would be traces descent matrilineally. This would be due to the men dying before the women on my mother's side of kinship. My grandfather died before my mother was born and she is the youngest of the children. Three (3) siblings of five (5) sisters husbands preceded them in death, while my mother is the longest living and her husband, my father is alive. The patterns I have noticed is that the women in my family was all left to raise their children together, so it helped that they lived on the family land in Opelika, Alabama, to help one another. Tending the land and crops was a family effort. There is an emphasis on the maternal lines, due to being raised mainly around my mother's side of the family. Even after my older aunts moved to Anniston, Alabama Willie shortly followed, and that is where she met Harvey. Willie and her sisters got together during holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and ancestral celebrations. Due to a difference of religion, Willie and her sisters stopped practicing African Spirituality. My aunts were not allowed to practice, and since most times they practiced together, the magic stopped. My uncles referred to as witchcraft, and in turn that ended our heritage. Currently, Willie is the only surviving sister of five (5).
     The older in individuals in my family would be my cousins, because I have no grandparents, aunts or uncles left. Our family is no longer close like it use to be. We are located all over the world, including Belgium and Germany. We go not get together as often as we use to, but we still attend one another's birthday festivities.  We have not had a family reunion in over 10+ years. Since my great-grandparents and grandparents dies the family is not close anymore. The younger generation in our family are lazy and feel entitled without the hard work. Most of cousins said they had it hard growing up and they do want their children to have it hard, but it only made them lazy and dependent on them for shelter, money and food.
     There are ethnic differences within my family. All of us are African and Choctaw Indian mixed, some dark-skinned and some light-skinned. The only impact that affects our social interactions is my practice of African Spirituality, preferably voudou. My parents taught me the old ways and I taught my children. Some family members call us witches and have nothing to do with us, but that suits me just fine, being that I do not interact with them anyway. My father, Harvey kept our spirituality alive, because his family practiced as well. Even though my mother has not practiced in over 40 years, I do and I owe thanks to Harvey for that.
     No, I do not know my father's side of the family well. They lived in Greensboro, Alabama and we did not get to visit much; due to my father and mother both working full-time jobs. However, I do know most of them and attend annual family reunions to get better acquainted. I was raised around and with my mother's side of the family, so I know them pretty well. No, I do socialize with them equally, because of the distance and I am more comfortable with my mother's side of the family. My father became estranged from his family, because of his alcohol addiction and the effects thereof. By the time he completed rehabilitation, his father and mother had passed.
     Willie being the oldest living relative has the say so when it comes to family business. Her voice and wisdom is respected and called upon quite frequently. She is the owner of all the properties and land, since the passing of her siblings. Family members are treated accordingly. For example, if new family members show respect, then in turn they will be respected. We accept new members with open arms, but we expect the same in return. There are no attitudes towards family members based on gender, now my uncles have passed. In the past, my uncles frowned upon homosexuality and/or lesbianism. This was forbidden and got my cousin through out of the house. She was not allowed to come back home; until she was interested in males.
     I have learned a great deal about my family, because of this assignment. I was able to see patterns, such as the men dying before the women in my family, and I never thought about that. You can see how culture is slowly removed from ones way of life, after moving to a new place and marrying someone from a different culture than yours. No matter what, I love my family and proud to be apart of such great people.

Week 3: Language Experiment

Part 1:

I found this experiment to be easy, because most times I am quiet while other people are talking. However, it was my husband that I experimented with, so it did become difficult; due to me wanting to converse with him. The impression of my husband proved to be easy to take for an extended period of time, because that is what he does anyway. However, it became more difficult as the conversation progressed, and he ran out things to talk about, since he is accustom to me replying back, and interjecting my opinions. He did continue the conversation, and finished the fifteen (15) minutes, but as the conversation proceeded, he used more hand gestures and his body language became fidgety. Both cultures have the advantage of communicating complex ideas. It is up to the cultures to find a way to communicate with one another, whether it be through: symbols, pictures, an interpreter and/or hand gestures. The culture that can organize and orchestrate this form communication would have the advantage. Symbols are key forms of communication in all cultures, but some more than others. Not being able to communicate through symbolism in some cultures would alienate some groups of people from one another. When languages are different, this causes a barrier between communication, but symbols connect cultures together, whether you speak the language or not. For example, some disabled people have a difficult time communicating to others; due to speech impediments, a condition that interferes with speech, and/deafness. For those that are deaf sign language is helpful and allows them to communicate with others. Speech impediments, such as stuttering can be corrected through speech therapy.

Part 2:

To my surprise, it was difficult to carry on a conversation without using hand gestures, body language, facial expressions, etc. I only lasted for about ten (10) minutes, but I found myself moving from side-to-side and looking for things to converse about. My husband was laughing at me, because he thought that it would be easy; until I talked him into trying it. He lasted about five (5) minutes, because his whole conversation involves him using hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. He admitted, that it was difficult, and he did not realize that all those things made a difference when communicating. The use of "signs" in communicating is essential to effective communication. Hand gestures helps you get your point across, where facial expressions relay the message. "Signs" is what brings the conversation to life, and allow you to follow the points your party is trying to convey. There are people that have a difficult time reading body language. People in different cultures may have a problem reading a foreigners body language, because it is not the norm of their culture. For example, Muslim women are not permitted to look in the eyes of men. In Western Civilization, we were taught to look a person in their eyes when speaking with them. Being able to read body language is of great benefit. You can tell when a person is being deception or not telling the whole truth, by hand gestures and facial expressions. An environmental condition that not reading body language would be in cold places. In the process, of trying to stay warm would interfere and give false information from the body. For example, shivering and being unable to speak clearly could cause a miscommunication; due to extreme cold temperatures.

Part 3:

Yes, the experiment would have been easier; if I was allowed to write down, because I could convey the message that I was trying to get across. Not being able to speak was difficult, and made the conversation boring. It is not interesting to me, to listen to someone else talk without the luxury of being able to interject my opinions in the conversation. Writing would allow me to get my points across. Written language allows effective communication within societies. A culture that develops their own language and use it is a good thing. It is a way for everyone to communicate and understand one another. This keeps outsiders out of community business. This leads to the road of organizing within the community and/or tribe. Written language has allowed for people around the world to learn new languages, and effectively communicate with people from other cultures. Language connects us to other cultures, how they live, how we live, and understanding of one another. This opens the doors to global business.

Week 2: Environmental Adaptations

The Zulu is a South African Tribe that lives mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. There are small numbers of Zulus that live in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique.

Climate: The climate is sub-tropical and stays warm year-round. In the Summer, it is hot, humid and wet, with temperatures regularly in the mid-thirties (Celsius). October through April are the Summer months. May through September are the winter months. The winter is dry and pleasantly warm during the day, but cold at night and in the mornings. It is not unusual for there to be thunderstorms in the afternoon, but occasionally the rain lasts all day. The temperatures are between 17 degrees Celsius/56 degrees Fahrenheit, in the afternoon.

Physical Adaptation: The KwaZulu-Natal does not require any clothing to maintain homeostasis. According to the encyclopedia, there is a myth that long ago the Zulus did not die, but rather lived for years. There was times that it was hard to maintain homeostasis; due to extreme weather and heavy rain, that would destroy huts and crops.

Cultural Adaptation: There is an estimated 10-11 million people in the Zulu Tribe. This would be considered monolithic, large, powerful, and intractably indivisible and uniform. Cultural Adaptation has caused changes with the Zulu communities. The Zulu recognize the national holidays. The locals have adapted their age-old traditions to suit modern living.

Race: The Zulu Tribe is considered a Bantu ethnic group of Southern Africa and the largest. The are various different races that exist within the Zulus. For example, there are black Africans and mixed races that comprise the Zulu Tribe.

Adaptation vs. Race: The Zulu Tribe has adapted to their climate, living conditions, and continue to thrive presently. They are a black race of people. For example, even though some of them are mixed races, the one-drop rule makes them black. The Zulu tribe has a vibrate culture, that continue with their traditions, but have advanced into modern society, by adapting and changing to the world around them. 

The Andean Indians are classified as Indigenous, meaning they are the original people to the land. Central America is home to the Andean Indians. 

Climate: Temperatures range from the specially cold to dry weather. Lowlands tend to be hot, but elevation tempers on some of the islands, and along mountain ranges. The climate changes drastically throughout the region. For example, the Pre-ceramic time lead to the Ice Age. Presently, the melting glaciers; due to global warming has threatened the Andean Indians way of life. As the climate change, the river is drying up, and this water had sustained them for millenia. 

Physical Adaptation: In order for the Andean Indians to survive, they had to physically adapt to their environment. For example, to breathe at high altitudes and increased size of the nostrils was a physical adaptation. This allowed additional air intake for sufficient oxygen. Another adaptation was being able to breathe at high altitudes, endurance of cold nights made it both easier and more comfortably, than someone without these physical adaptations.

Cultural Adaptation: The Andean Indians red skin surfaces for increased oxygen supply. Also, the was a noted blood hemoglobin adaptation.

The Andean Indians had control over the landscape for food growth. Farmers grow food on the sides of steep mountains. 

Race: The Andean Indians are Indigenous people, but of course like many other races they are mixed, with European, Inca and Spanish. Mainly, they considered Indians and/Indigenous.

Adaptation vs. Race: The Andean Indians have seemed to adapted to their environment quite well, despite of all the challenges they face within their environment. Race does not have anything to do with their survival skills. They have a mixture of races, but they remain a close knit community. Men and women work side by side to make their community run. 

Week 1: Cultural Descriptions

Part 1:

The 5 (five) words that I would use to describe the Nacerima people is: ritualistic, sadistic, community, traditions and faithful.

1.) Ritualistic: would describes the many rituals the Nacerima people practice throughout the year. The Nacerima take on a 'holistic perspective,' from a Anthropological point-of-view, by emphasizing the diversity within and among human culture. When contrasted to Western Civilization. Americans are unaware of the many rituals that we participate in on a daily basis. For example, prayer is a big part of a Christian's life, and may become a daily practice for many individuals. Ritual gives people a sense of belonging to something bigger than self. It is the way many cultures connect to their spiritual practices and ancestors.

2. Sadistic: describes the barbaric practices of the Nacerima people For example, the ritual of the Holy-Mouth-Man, put holes in the Nacerima people teeth, and filled it with so-called magical herbs. This causes further damage to exposed nerves. The teeth are not repaired, as would be expected in Western Civilization. This would coincide with 'ethnocentrism'. Whereas, I do not believe that my own culture are the only standards to live by. Growing up in America, has instilled a different perspective in me. For example, if my tooth has a cavity, the dentist will use a numbing medicine before doing any work to my tooth, and there would be minimal to no pain. These are the practices that I am accustomed.

3. Community: describes the culture of the Nacerima people. Year after year they participate in rituals of pain, and sacrificing the little money they do have. All members of the community have personal shrine in their homes, where they perform private/secret rituals. A charm box is filled with charms, that are said to protect the person, and so on. The freedom to choose your religion is a Western Civilization practice. This is where I am 'culture-bound,' because I do not want to cause unnecessary pain to myself. For example, I am terrified of dentists; due to the drills and a past experience. However, my dentist cater to my fear and needs, to do the work I need done. In some cultures, this is not a norm and can be quite painful.

4. Traditions: can be describe as a culture's way of life. It may not be considered the norm, by Western society, nevertheless traditions are to be respected in Anthropology studies and research. Traditions are what cultures are made of globally. For example, America celebrate Christmas every December 25th, whereas some cultures would consider this a pagan practice, and choose not to participate. For example, members of the occult communities celebrate the New Year, the first day of Spring, rather than January 1st. Spring is when animals wake up from hibernation, flowers and trees begin to bloom again. 

5. Faithful: is a word to describe the Nacerima people. Each year they continue with their rituals, traditions and practices. They faithfully acquire their charms for their charm boxes, and participate in community and private rituals. 'Fieldwork,' provided by Horace Miner shed some light on the Nacerima people and their cultural practices. I do agree with their practices, but I respect it, and recognize how faithful they are to their traditions. For example, the fieldwork that was provided by Miner gave us a look into a culture different than our own.

Part 2:

1. As an American, the choice of words that I used does describe America. There was no way of knowing that I would be describing America. Actually, the descriptive words do describe America, from my perspective. For example, rituals are performed at various times of the year within all religions in America. Pagans celebrate the New Year the first day of Spring. Occult members have been know to perform sacrifices during All Hallow's Eve. Christian and Catholics observe Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. There are many sadistic practices in American and most are illegal. African-Americans are being shot by the police frequently, and in some cases; if arrested they are inflicted with torture, then murdered.

The is a great sense of community throughout America. I have experienced it everywhere I have lived in the United States. There is no denying it. Generally, people are divided according to economic status. America is the melting pot of traditions for all the cultures that live within the United States. For example, the traditions of holidays, such as: hay rides during Halloween, the Super Bowl, the Playoffs, trick or treating for Halloween, celebrating Christmas and Thanksgiving.
   
America is faithful when it comes to protecting its citizens from terrorists. I honor that, because I do feel safe and secure knowing that America is fighting on our side. The poor have their many issues; due to capitalism, but America does have a welfare system that provides some assistance to needy families, and help centers for our Veterans.

2. Yes, there are words that shows a bias towards the Nacerima people. For example, sadistic is a harsh way to describe a culture, but due to my limit experience, morals and values this is my description of them and America. Faithful would be considered bias also. For example, I described the Nacerima people as being faithful and America. Does it make the Nacerima people faithful that they keep up with their traditions? Or are they being solicited for money, by the community medicine men? As for America, I call them faithful for protecting its citizens from terrorists. Whereas, the countries that they are at war with may have a different opinion. Other countries have accused America of taking what they want, from whom they want.

Ritualistic, Community and Traditions would be classifies as being unbiased. For example, all cultures maintain some type of ritual. A ritual can be as simple as, getting up Monday through Friday to get ready for work or school for Americans, and finding work to support their loved ones in other cultures. Community exists in all cultures. People are grouped together, and carry on daily tasks within all cultures. This would be considered the norm. Traditions are apart of all cultures. For example, it is traditional to watch the Super Bowl or Playoffs in American homes, during football and basketball season. In Botswana, it is traditional to have a dinner at the home of the bride once engaged.

3. Instead of using sadistic, I could replace it with cultural practices. Cultural practices would not be so harsh as to offend a culture of their way of life. Instead of faithful, I could replace it with loyal. Most cultures are loyal to their way of life, and it gives honor to them in the process. Loyal would describe their love of their values, traditions and rituals.

4. It is important to understand a culture, without passing judgment on them, their traditions and their way of life. This is a disrespectful act. People are entitled to live how they choose, and should be free of speculation and ridicule. Diversity is the spice of life. If everyone was doing it, then it would not be diverse. That would make life rather boring. I do not believe that it is possible to avoid all biases, as a Cultural Anthropologists. Cultural Anthropologists are humans, therefore they have room for error. I do not feel that they intentionally are bias. They to have limited experience to different cultures. Being raised in America is a big difference to being born in China. The cultures are different, and so is life. Each culture has their own sacred knowledge, and way of doing things.

     

Introduction to Cultural Anthropology

I am very excited about taking Cultural Anthropology with Dr. Laurie Rodriquez! This is quite the interesting subject, and I look forward to the journey.