The textbook authors state, “Every one of us is a member of folk groups. We all have defining aspects of our identity which link us to other individuals. Some of those are natural and dictated by where we are born, the parents to whom we are born, and other irreversible factors. Markers such as gender, race, and ethnicity also put us in various folk groups. However, other groups form around our likes and those we choose to be around, creating the chosen communities” (p 204). I want you to introduce one of the groups you chose to be a member of in the scrapbook,
1 Think about all the groups you chose to be a member of, i.e., groups that are not natural or dictated, such as gender, race, etc. Please do not choose a religious group as popular culture and religion have similar functions but they are not the same.
2 Choose one group and analyze it in terms of the following*:
- Shared interests, practices, and beliefs – What brings the members together?
- History of the group – When and where was the group formed? Who created the group and why? How has the group changed? Were there any significant events that caused the change?
- Collective and individual identities – How individuals express their identity and group membership (see pp. 211 – 212).
- Icons and rituals – Are there any critical objects, rituals, and/or ceremonies?
- Is the group considered a subculture? Why?
- Is the group considered a counterculture? Why?
- What is the exoteric perspective of the group? – How do outsiders perceive the group?
*Read the authors’ analysis of biker culture (pp. 205 – 213). It will help your analysis.
The textbook authors state, “Every one of us is a member of folk groups. We all have defining aspects of our identity which link us to other individuals. Some of those are natural and dictated by where we are born, the parents to whom we are born, and other irreversible factors. Markers such as gender, race, and ethnicity also put us in various folk groups. However, other groups form around our likes and those we choose to be around, creating the chosen communities” (p 204). I want you to introduce one of the groups you chose to be a member of in the scrapbook,
1 Think about all the groups you chose to be a member of, i.e., groups that are not natural or dictated, such as gender, race, etc. Please do not choose a religious group as popular culture and religion have similar functions but they are not the same.
2 Choose one group and analyze it in terms of the following*:
- Shared interests, practices, and beliefs – What brings the members together?
- History of the group – When and where was the group formed? Who created the group and why? How has the group changed? Were there any significant events that caused the change?
- Collective and individual identities – How individuals express their identity and group membership (see pp. 211 – 212).
- Icons and rituals – Are there any critical objects, rituals, and/or ceremonies?
- Is the group considered a subculture? Why?
- Is the group considered a counterculture? Why?
- What is the exoteric perspective of the group? – How do outsiders perceive the group?
*Read the authors’ analysis of biker culture (pp. 205 – 213). It will help your analysis.