Folklore:To Be or Not Be

Folklore-To Be or Not Be That is the Question

Pat Bc

Blog for the Week of 8.30.11

ANTH-549

Folklore appears to be in a phase of transition within the halls of academia.  The forceful hand of the political and capitalistic ideals  are undergirding the true meaning of learning which may yield an inevitable fate for  the philosophy and design of study, but the saddest aspect could be the lost of  traditions and ideas of man.  Becker’s article, Revealing Traditions: The Politics of Culture and Community in America addresses this issue.   He discusses the emphasis on the preservation of a national identity based on the elite theory which conflicts with the democratic feelings of belonging and the lack of acceptance of minority cultures.  For example, the media’s portrayal of cultural differences is quite limited particularly in two popular programs such as Little House on the Prairie and The Walton’s which idealize the past in American culture.  However, because these programs are developed in the 1970’s they not only impart romantic ideals but include a few people of color in limited episodes to project the realities of American life among the social and racial groups.

Folklore is an interesting field of study which offers inquiry of self and others and its variety of methods that are used for study only enhances the results and the researcher’s knowledge. Bayard’s article, Materials of Folklore argues against total objectivism which dismisses any value of thought or idea that can not be quantified for reproduction.   However he does identify the need for greater articulation of the definition and the materials of folklore.  This move to greater scientific inquiry indicates America no longer allows for individuality but conformity in rules of methodology for greater productivity and economic gain.

Thomas and Ender’s article, Bluegrass and “White Trash”:  A Case Study Concerning the Name “Folklore” and Class Bias, discusses the ramifications for social groups.   Music is an important aspect of culture that reveals many aspects of tradition in beliefs and thought.  Bluegrass and the connections with true blues, country, and jazz are interrelated as each serves as a gateway to the heart and soul based on political and social group circumstances.   Growing up in a Black middle class neighborhood in South Phoenix Arizona, I recall listening to blues, country, and jazz almost daily as my mother would listen to recordings of Billie Holliday, Nina Simone, Ahmad Jamal, as well as Waylon Jennings, Red Foley, Johnny Cash, and others after dinner, while doing chores, or just about any free time that was available.  Often she would sing and discuss the music.  Jazz also is important because of the influence of neighbors’ groups. Much like the blue grass players, music is part of living the day to day life thus it becomes a part of your being. I am excited about this field because of its diversity and significance to life.