MKQ10

(Notes taken from the internet and Sociology in our times Third Canadian Edition)

Compare Mikmaq culture to the dominant Euro-Canadian culture.

Culture is a large and integral part of our everyday lives. It is our beliefs, values,
behaviors, and material objects that create our way of life. It is human nature.

There are two types or parts to culture, in the eyes of the sociologist, the material and the
nonmaterial culture. A material culture is the part that is concrete and tangible. This
includes things like buildings, art, or even a hairbrush. Raw materials are transformed
into material culture through technology ( the knowledge, techniques, and tools that
make it possible to transform resources into usable forms, and the knowledge and skills
required to use them after they are developed).

The nonmaterial culture is the opposite. It includes things like religion, philosophy,
ideas, family patterns, political systems, and beliefs.

According to William F. Ogburn, cultural lag is a gap between the technical

development (material culture) of society and its moral and legal institutions
(nonmaterial culture).

Cultural universals are customs and practices that occur across all societies (appearance,
activities, social institutions, customary practices, etc.).

Many people use the word culture interchangeably with society. However, sociologists do
make a distinction. Culture is a shared way of living, while society is only the interaction
of people within the boundaries of their culture. Although these differences are made,
neither culture nor society could exist without the other.

Culture is so inbred into our being, that often times when we experience another culture
different that our own, we encounter a disorientation called culture shock.

Theoretical Analysis

There are three main theories as to why we have culture. Although none of them fully
explains this anomaly, they do provide some insights to the question.

The structural-functional paradigm believes that culture exists to fulfill a human need.
Culture has different functions to ensure that everyday life continues to exist. One of the
predominant sociologists in this paradigm, George Murdock, studied different cultures in
1945 to find evidence to support this theory. He found that all cultures share many of the
same traits. He believed that the function of culture was like a universal family because it
controls sexual reproduction and raising of children. Critics find fault in this theory
because it ignores the importance of change.

The social-conflict paradigm believes that culture is established in order to oppress

members of a society. When you have a set of rules, someone does not want to follow
those rules, and therefore becomes oppressed. This is modeled after the ideas of Karl
Marx. Critics find fault in this theory because it fails to recognize the areas in society
where integration is promoted.

The sociobiology paradigm asserts that culture is influenced by genetics. Just like
species evolve, so does culture. Charles Darwin is the author of this idea, believing that
there are four principles to evolution. First, reproduction has to occur. Second, the
blueprint of life is located in the genes. Third, genes vary within the species, and fourth,
survival of the fittest. Culture is simple a way of adapting to an environment. Critics find
fault in this theory because there is not sufficient information to support the theory, and
this theory can easily be used to defend the superiority of a particular group.

Components of Culture

Looking at the world it can be easily seen that different cultures vary greatly.
Nevertheless, all cultures share four basic components: symbols, language, values, and
norms.

Symbols are the foundation that all the other components are built upon. Symbols are
anything (such as a behavior, gesture, or item) that is assigned a particular meaning that is
recognized by everyone that shares in that particular culture. This can and does cause
confusion when different cultures meet. For example, in Canada the "OK" hand gesture
means I agree or a job well done. However, to our friend in France it is an insult meaning
you are worth nothing. Also, to our friend in Germany and those that are deaf, this same
symbol is an impudent word for rectum.

Language is a complex system of symbols used so that people can communicate with
one another. It can be both spoken as well as written, and is the method that is used to
pass culture down to the next generation (also know as cultural transmission). Language
does, however, have its limitations. Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf developed a
hypothesis (coincidentally called the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis) that clams that the way
people perceive their world is limited to their language. For example, the Inuit have over
a hundred different words for snow. The reason is because snow affects so much of their
lives.

Values are basic guidelines for good and desirable behavior. Values are vague principles
that beliefs are based upon. Beliefs are particular ideas that people hold to be true.

Just as values are the basic guidelines, norms or the rules to ensure that they are observed
in society. Norms establishes what is considered rude in each culture. William Graham
Sumnera advanced this idea and coined the term mores. Mores are taboos, or norms that
have an ethical importance. Sumner also developed the idea of folkways, or norms that
allow people to have diversity. For example, in clothing style, musical taste, and polite
behavior.

Cultural Diversity

Social class is a large influence on cultural diversity. In fact, it is common to hear the
word 'culture' in another context then what has already been mentioned. Culture refers to
an elite refinement of sophisticated art forms; these are people of the world. We think
better of the opera than a rock concert, the ballet is better then swing, and Yeats is better
than Danielle Steel is. Because of this separation that made in everyday life, so do
sociologist. High culture is the term refers to the cultural patterns of a society's elite. In
America, this would be those that make $1 million a year. Popular culture, on the other
hand, it the cultural patterns that is shared among the mass population.

Subculture is the cultural patterns of small groups within the society's population. The
best illustration of this can be seen in the high schools. Each click that is formed is a
subculture. The preps, the jocks, the Goths, and the brains each have their own interests,
behaviors, and styles (their own culture).

A difficult problem that is facing Canada today is the challenge of multiculturalism.

Most Canadians promote the idea of equality, and this idea has filtered through to our
current topic, culture. Multiculturalism refers to the idea that all cultures are equal, and is
promoted in the educational programs. Why this is a problem is because in the past, we
have always prescribed to the idea of Eurocentrism, or that the European culture is better
than all the others cultures.

Another part of cultural diversity is an individual's, or group's, freedom to reject the

established culture in which they live. Since sociologist like to label everything, they
called this occurrence a counterculture.

Key Terms

Counterculture-an occurrence when subcultures reject the important values and norms
of the dominant culture of the society in which they live.

Culture-is the beliefs, art, morals, laws, and customs of a group of people.

Culture Shock-coined in the 1960's, it is an occupational disease suffered by those who

become suddenly immersed into a culture completely different from their own.

Language-is the verbal and nonverbal communication practiced by humans.

Mores-are moral rules of behavior.

Norms-what a society deems as desirable and appropriate.

Society-a group of peoples that share the same culture.

Symbol-any act or thing that represent another meaning.

Values-standards and guidelines a society sets for goodness.

Taboos- mores so strong that their violation is considered to be extremely offensive and
unmentionable (incest).

Folkways- informal norms or everyday customs.

Laws- formal, standardized norms that have been enacted by legislatures and are
enforced by formal sanctions. (civil: disputes between individuals or groups; criminal:
dealing with public safety or well-being)

Values, Customs, and Traditions of

the Mikmaq Nation
Topic Jot Notes
The Spirit is All things have a spirit and we must show
respect to the spirit, in interacting with
Present in All of nature
Nature Work in harmony with nature
Recognize what we use for our use
Do not apologize for needs, but accept
the interdependence of all things
Respect for Elders not only hold the knowledge of our
ancestors, but they also have the
Elders language through which the knowledge
must be shared to the youth
Elders help the young to become good
Mikmaq citizens through emotional and
spiritual strength
The Elders are the keepers of the sacred
lessons of tribal harmony
Mikmaq Language is holy and sacred and through
it comes knowledge, wisdom and
Language is understanding
Sacred The Creator gave the Mikmaq people
 language to transmit knowledge
The language uses verbs (action words
and descriptors) versus nouns (identifiers)
They also recognize the importance of
their languages cultural survival to the
survival of their culture
Death is as Death is as natural as birth
Pay respect regardless of distance
natural as birth Children are encouraged to experience
grief
Death is accepted as a part of living; it
also reminds us we are here for a short
time and to leave the best impression
possible
Spirituality Native spirituality maintains a vision for
this world, and provides hope for the next,
which offers security and peace
Traditional teachings have been blended
with Christian values and practices
Belief in the The Mikmaq people recognize they can
obtain knowledge, wisdom, and powers
Supernatural from the other world.
Endowed power through special people
can travel through one world to the next
Kinap = good and Npuoin = bad
Sweet Grass Sweet grass is an offering to the spirits
Special presence in homes
Ceremony Sweet Grass Ceremony in Mikmaq is
called Pekitneman
Rituals for When someone is dying they should NOT
be left alone
Death and One does not enter the world alone and
Dying therefore they should leave this world
alone
A candle is lit to help the dying person
find their way to the Spirit World
(wasoqnikewi)
Family members must seek peace
(apiksiktuaqn) even if there is no ill will,
as elders believe that one must enter the
Spirit World completely at peace with
everyone and everything
Rituals for Tears should be reserved until the dying
person has passed on to the Spirit World
Mourning
 The Elders feel that the person will have
an easier time making the transition if
tears are not shed
Tears should flow freely after the person
has died, making it easier to cope with
the death
Dreams Dreams are looked at for meaning =
knowledge
Analyzing dreams is a skill that is
disappearing
Those who have the ability to see the
meaning and content of a dream provide
valuable assistance and guidance
Belief of a A forerunner is a message that comes in
the form of a representation
Forerunner To experience or witness a forerunner is
very spiritual
Feeding of The feeding of Apuknatajit is a time to
give thanks to the Spirits during the most
Grandfather difficult time of the winter
The offering is performed on January 31st
An Elder gives thanks for survival and
asks for additional assistance until the
arrival of spring

Whale Rider Quotes

Paikea: Why doesn't he want me?

Porourangi: He's just looking for something that doesn't exist anymore.
Paikea: A new leader? They exist.

Paikea: My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs

Paikea: A long time ago, my ancestor Paikea came to this place on the back of a whale.
Since then, in every generation of my family, the first born son has carried his name and
become the leader of our tribe... until now

[first lines]
Paikea: In the old days, the land felt a great emptiness. It was waiting. Waiting to be
filled up. Waiting for someone to love it. Waiting for a leader.
[child birth scene]
Paikea: And he came on the back of a whale. A man to lead a new people. Our ancestor,
Paikea. But now we were waiting for the firstborn of the new generation, for the
descendant of the whale rider. For the boy who would be chief.
Paikea: There was no gladness when I was born. My twin brother died, and took our
mother with him.

[last lines]
Paikea: My name is Paikea Apirana, and I come from a long line of chiefs stretching all
the way back to the whale rider. I'm not a prophet, but I know that our people will keep
going forward, all together, with all of their strength.

Words used in Whale Rider

Haka War dance

Karanga Call
Moko Grandchild
Powhiri Welcome ceremony
Rangatira Chief
Tapu Sacred
Te Reo Maori language
Tikanga Customs
Waka Canoe
Whakapapa Genealogy
Wharenui Meeting House

Whale Rider Questions:

1. What is the Maori myth of the whale-rider and why is it important?

2. Consider Koros two sons in the film. What happens to the older brother early in
the film? How does he personify what it is to lack tradition? What happens to the
younger brother throughout the film? What do you think he personifies? How
and why does he change? Why havent either of Koros sons taken over
leadership of the tribe?

3. Much of the film involves the different relationships between members of families
(parents and children, husbands and wives, grandparents and grandchildren).
Pay attention to each of the relationships in the film; especially the relationship
between Pai and Koro. What are the sources of tension? How does the
relationship change?

4. The idea of tradition is a central theme in this film. Pay attention to how it is
described and represented. What is the value of tradition for the Maori? Why is
tradition so important to Koro?
5. Analyze Pais character. Why is her tradition so important to her? What special
gifts does she have? Pay attention to her school performance. Why is it so
important?

6. The appearance of the whales are a dramatic turning point in the film. What do
the whales represent? How do the main characters respond to the crisis?

7. What does the end of the film tell us about tradition, leadership, and the future of
the Maori culture?

8. Describe beliefs/values/norms of the Maori. (Give at least 4 of eachthey should

be related.)
Beliefs Values Norms

Major Assignment:

Report on two unique celebrations for a specific culture.

It can be a religious celebration or non-religious; sad or happy

This will be done as a photo story or power point presentation
A bibliography of research must be passed in
There must be at least twelve images
Do not include celebrations such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween,
Valentines, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, a nations birthday
 Each student must choose a different culture from that of their classmates,
therefore, you must tell me your culture four days prior to the presentation
Enjoy and Good Luck!
Value = 15 points