Book Author: Margaret MeadCHAPTER 8: The Role of the Dance
Summary
In this chapter, Mead discusses the role of dance in Samoan culture. It is significant because it's an activity in which all age groups participate. Until now, Mead was always talking about how boys and girls are seperated, and how relations in the community are formed. But this time, we see an activity in which all participate and can express their individuality.
Mead talks about three main styles of dancing:
In this chapter, Mead discusses the role of dance in Samoan culture. It is significant because it's an activity in which all age groups participate. Until now, Mead was always talking about how boys and girls are seperated, and how relations in the community are formed. But this time, we see an activity in which all participate and can express their individuality.
Mead talks about three main styles of dancing:
- Dance of the taupo
- Dance of the boys
- Dance of the jesters
When one dances, he/she will be given criticism (positive or negative). Mead also suggests that if you know a person's personality, you can predict how he/she will dance.
I prefer this chapter, as opposed to the previous one that dealt with "sex" relations.
I find it interesting though that the way one may be treated depends highly on their dancing skills. I'm not sure how complex Samoan dance is, but if it is then there would be people made fun of, and criticized because they cannot dance and consequently distanced from others.
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