Chapter 2: Identity & Culture in a Globalizing World Related Issue: To what extent should globalization shape identity? Chapter Issue: To what extent does globalization affect people’s identities?

A World of Choices What is the difference between individual and collective identity?

A World of Choices How did we become the people we are today? Why do we express our identities the way we do? (Think, speak, act) Traditions: customs in a family or culture i.e. Eid Language: how we express our needs Pluralistic Society: A society composed of many groups (culture, language, etc.) Your choices in how to express yourself as an individual are almost endless.

Words to Consider Displacement – lacking a sense of home and country Assimilation - the process in which individuals or groups of differing ethnic heritage are absorbed into the dominant culture of a society. It involves taking on the traits of a dominate culture to the extent that the original group becomes socially indistinguishable from other members of the society.

The Hmong in America The Hmong people (originally Laos) fought with the Americans during the Vietnam War and as a consequence 160 000 of them moved to America as refugees. By them coming here, they have been able to express aspects of their culture they were never able to before, however they have also adapted to the American way of life through adapting certain religion practices and ways of living. Is this positive or negative in regards to the preservation of ones culture?

The Metis: Identity The Metis are one of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. The first Metis were the children of French traders and explorers (men), and First Nations women. These explorers began arriving in North America in the late 1500’s. The Metis are unique because they could speak both French and Cree (First Nations Language)

The Metis: Identity (cont’d) The Metis played a vital role as guides and translators for European traders and explorers. At first, the Metis only associated themselves with Aboriginal culture (Cree), but this changed. Over time, the Metis began to see themselves as a ‘distinct’ people. They developed their own language, “Michif”, a blend of French and Cree.

The Metis: Today The Metis way of life still thrives today. Massive changes in their way of life brought about “intermarriage” with other cultures (Resulting in a loss of their own culture). Time, intermarriage, loss of land and the end of the fur trade have all blurred the lines around Metis identity.

Language and Identity in a Globalizing World What is the relationship between identity and language? Language and Identity in a Globalizing World

Language & Identity Aboriginal (more than 50 Aboriginal languages spoken in Canada) In Canada, the Metis language, Michif, is threatened with less than 1000 speakers left Francophone (largest Canadian Minority, and a vital part of Canadian Identity). Language is not just one aspect of their identity; it is its essence Distinctiveness depends on the vitality of the French language

Official Bilingualism Official Bilingualism: English/French BNA Act of 1867, renewed in the Constitution Act of 1982 Federal level only Canadians have the right to receive federal government and services in both languages Canadians have the right to communicate and plead before a federal court in both languages

Cultural Exchange and Identity How does cultural exchange shape people’s identities? Cultural Exchange and Identity

Cultural Exchange and Identity Appearance: a public way to express your identity Mindful and deliberate Individual expression of identity by one person may hold a different meaning to someone else Fashions, make up, piercings, tattoos, symbols, etc… Maple Leaf: A symbol of Canada (when travelling abroad, it will get your better service!)

The Maori Act of Ta Moko Then And now…

The Maori Art of Ta Moko Ta Moko: Spiritual tattooing done by the Maori people of New Zealand The tattooing is not done by ink but rather by carving into the skin This leaves the skin with grooves rather than a smooth surface The lines and designs in the patterns tell of the wearer’s ancestry You had to be worthy of the honour and undergo a long period of preparation; the wearer really had consider whether he was willing to wear the moko for the rest of his life

Caption Cook wrote in 1769: “The marks in general are spirals drawn with great nicety and even elegance. One side corresponds with the other. The marks on the body resemble foliage in old chased ornaments, convolutions of filigree work, but in these they have such a luxury of forms that of a hundred which at first appeared exactly the same no two were formed alike on close examination.”

Ta Moko Today Since 1990 there has been a resurgence in the practise of ta moko for both men and women, as a sign of cultural identity and reflection of the general revival of the language and culture. Most ta moko applied today is done using a tattoo machine, but there has also been a revival of the use of uhi (chisels) Women too, have become more involved as practitioners.