Many may say that Jane Addams' work with the Hull House does not necessarily embody religion. Although the Hull House is not spiritually based on a religion, I do believe it is as well as Addams and colleagues' work religious. In the most simplest sense religion is but just a mere practice of something. Addams didn't explicitly represent a spiritual religion but did reference to and base most if not all of her work on Christian (Jesus' life) principles.
The mission of the Hull House was to "provide a center for higher civic and social life; to institute and maintain educational and philanthropic enterprises, and to investigate and improve the conditions in the industrial districts of Chicago," (112). Addams' goal was to help the poor in this community, which were mainly immigrants. She wanted the Hull House something that not only helped but unified the people in the community. To Addams this was what religion, Christianity specifically, helping others, action, what she calls humanitarianism. She says that some motives of the House are result of a "renaissance going forward in Christianity," (122). The Hull House, although contrary to many beliefs, was the embodiment of Jesus. Addams made it clear with her references to Jesus and through her own beliefs that religion is more than what you say, it is how you take action on those things, it is a way a life (122). She goes on to say that a true society/community in which all are connected and unified and accepting of one another (e.g. a community in action) is a move toward humanitarianism and in more the foundation of Christianity laid by Jesus. Addams goes on to write how such a way of living pushes "us on toward social and individual salvation," (127).
To Jane Addams the Hull House was ""a Cathedral of Humanity"" which she describes as a church. Even though the Hull House was not a church, its doctrine and practice of humanitarianism was the closest representation of "religious sentiments" for those with no church association (152). So in essence Jane Addams or the Hull House was not explicitly religious in a spiritual way but the goals and motives were somewhat religiously based. Also due to the fact that the Hull House had its own symbols, motives and meanings it can be part of the greater religion Addams continually mentions, humanitarianism.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Music & Protest
I am currently working on a paper about the role music played in the Civil Rights and Anti-apartheid Movements. What I have found is that music was used as a unifying tool. It was used to give the poeple without a voice, a voice. Music freed the oppressed and gave hope to the hopeless. Music as so power much to move and inspire, to motivate and keep motivated.
The Rastafari Movement and Reggae (especially at their starts) are just like the freedom songs sung by freedom fighters of both the Civil Rights and Anti-Apartheid Movements. The struggles were similar if not the same, with the only major difference being that Rastafari was a more religious movement.
The music of these movements spoke of freedom from the oppressor (i.e. whites, Europeanization, etc.) looking forward to better days, and 'black power.' Although in three very different locations, these movements were going on around the same time period, and in a sense happening to the same people just in different places. These people were fighting to live, to be themselves with no restrictions. They all were getting the message that 'black is bad and unhuman' but instead of accepting that they fought for a better reality. In these fights music was one of their most powerful weapons. They sung with conviction and passion and hope. The songs they sung got them through some of the toughest times. Although music was a effective and powerful weapon it was also one of the most subtle. Through music many things were said that otherwise probably wouldn't have been said (i.e. songs about the government). Music was the force behind these movements and one of the things that kept the fighters fighting and in a sense winning (i.e. voting rights, cultural acceptance, etc.). Today the music of these movements are remembered and in a sense revered, especially Reggae which helped create a stronger, healthier Jamacian culture and identity.
The Rastafari Movement and Reggae (especially at their starts) are just like the freedom songs sung by freedom fighters of both the Civil Rights and Anti-Apartheid Movements. The struggles were similar if not the same, with the only major difference being that Rastafari was a more religious movement.
The music of these movements spoke of freedom from the oppressor (i.e. whites, Europeanization, etc.) looking forward to better days, and 'black power.' Although in three very different locations, these movements were going on around the same time period, and in a sense happening to the same people just in different places. These people were fighting to live, to be themselves with no restrictions. They all were getting the message that 'black is bad and unhuman' but instead of accepting that they fought for a better reality. In these fights music was one of their most powerful weapons. They sung with conviction and passion and hope. The songs they sung got them through some of the toughest times. Although music was a effective and powerful weapon it was also one of the most subtle. Through music many things were said that otherwise probably wouldn't have been said (i.e. songs about the government). Music was the force behind these movements and one of the things that kept the fighters fighting and in a sense winning (i.e. voting rights, cultural acceptance, etc.). Today the music of these movements are remembered and in a sense revered, especially Reggae which helped create a stronger, healthier Jamacian culture and identity.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Rastafari Community Video
This week, the picture painted in class and in the book of Rastafari and its followers I feel was over generalized. I feel this even mpre after watching the youtube video. In the book as well as in class (because we are going off of the book), Rastas are seen as dirty, lazy, unskilled, uneducated, and ganja smokers. Rastafari is seen as crazy, rebellious, and dangerous. I think the bigger questions we should be asking are why is Rastafari seen negatively? By whose standards are we judging it by?
The video of the Boboshanti confirms the ideas of Rastas being pro Ethiopia/Africa, Rastafari promotion of Black superiority, and their use of the Bible. We see this through the lion symbol, Ethiopian colors that the Rastas wear and use for almost everything, the signs the have posted (i.e. Biblical scriptures, Black/White, etc.), and through their preparation to return to Africa. These Rastas, as suggested they would be, are not dirty, lazy, or unskilled. Their speech was also very articulate, I understood what they were saying. Lastly, they didn't smoke any ganja in the video. This type of devotion and spirituality is not presented in the book. What makes these Rastas any different from Monks, Nuns, preist, etc. who live in a way that they believe is getting them ready for some higher/better place?
As I stated early, the Rastafari religion is generalized too much. Due to the fact that their was not one specific way to be a Rasta, we can't just look at one group an say that's how all Rastas are.
The video of the Boboshanti confirms the ideas of Rastas being pro Ethiopia/Africa, Rastafari promotion of Black superiority, and their use of the Bible. We see this through the lion symbol, Ethiopian colors that the Rastas wear and use for almost everything, the signs the have posted (i.e. Biblical scriptures, Black/White, etc.), and through their preparation to return to Africa. These Rastas, as suggested they would be, are not dirty, lazy, or unskilled. Their speech was also very articulate, I understood what they were saying. Lastly, they didn't smoke any ganja in the video. This type of devotion and spirituality is not presented in the book. What makes these Rastas any different from Monks, Nuns, preist, etc. who live in a way that they believe is getting them ready for some higher/better place?
As I stated early, the Rastafari religion is generalized too much. Due to the fact that their was not one specific way to be a Rasta, we can't just look at one group an say that's how all Rastas are.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Rastafari Religion
In class we discussed how Rastafari was the making of an identity. It was the creation of an identity for a people who was stripped of theirs. The Afro-Jamacians were in a sense a lost people. They were and felt out of place. Instead of conforming (although some did), they rebelled against British rule and ways in many ways. It seems that Rastafari is the biggest way they did this. Rastafari not only gave identity and voice to the Afro-Jamacians, but it gave meaning and purpose to their circumstances.
Rastafari gives its followers something to believe in and something to heal broken minds and spirits. Its teachings and messages are centered around something and someone that gives them hope and reassurance that a better day is coming. According to Geertz's definition, Rastafari is a true religion. It has a system of symbols (i.e. Selassie, Ethiopia) that give "long lasting moods and motivations" to its followers and give meaning to life and any situation that may come their way.
Rastafari gives its followers something to believe in and something to heal broken minds and spirits. Its teachings and messages are centered around something and someone that gives them hope and reassurance that a better day is coming. According to Geertz's definition, Rastafari is a true religion. It has a system of symbols (i.e. Selassie, Ethiopia) that give "long lasting moods and motivations" to its followers and give meaning to life and any situation that may come their way.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is established early on as a important and blessed place. In section 19 it is stated that the "kingdom of the world belonged to the Emperor of Ethiopia." The Emperor is said to be a descendent (the son) of King Solomon of Israel. The most important person in this story was Queen Sheba of Ethiopia. She brought God to her people. Sheba is the one that came to king Solomon to acquire/share some of his great wisdom and character. Through her quest for wisdom she finds God and becomes a devout believer. She had a sincere desire for God and seeked himbvery honsetly and humbly.
The story continues on saying how Solomon began to lust for Queen Sheba and sent for her in Ethiopia. Solomon approached Sheba with the offer of sleeping together but she was not interested. Both Solomon and Sheba swore not to betray one another. Solomon created a plan that caused the queen to break her oath, so she had to sleep with him. Solomon's plan was a trick and not becoming a God, so Israel became darkness in the sight f God. Queen Sheba returned to Ethiopia bearing the seed ("man child") of Solomon and Ethiopia becomes the new Israel, the chosen people.
The story continues on saying how Solomon began to lust for Queen Sheba and sent for her in Ethiopia. Solomon approached Sheba with the offer of sleeping together but she was not interested. Both Solomon and Sheba swore not to betray one another. Solomon created a plan that caused the queen to break her oath, so she had to sleep with him. Solomon's plan was a trick and not becoming a God, so Israel became darkness in the sight f God. Queen Sheba returned to Ethiopia bearing the seed ("man child") of Solomon and Ethiopia becomes the new Israel, the chosen people.
Friday, May 9, 2008
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2295355354_b765418df0.jpg?v=0
"System of symbols" are things that represent and/or signify something in a religion. This picture shows the main symbols of many different religions. These are the symbols most commonly brought to mind when these religions are thought about. For instance, if someone says something about Judaism the first thing that pops in mind is the star of David (one of the symbols on the cloth). It is said taht this symbol represents and signifies the Holy Trinity, and that it was used as a shield by King David. It is also the symbol of Irael (God's chosen people).
Another symbol of this cloth is the Om of Hinduism. This sign represents piety, divinity and authority. It also symbolizes "the Absolute-source of all exsistance." With that said it is easy to see why this symbol is the most important one in Hinduism, it embodies the meaning of the religion and life for believers. I could do this for evey symbol, but as seen with these two, symbols are very important to have. For believers they serve as reminders of their faith and the meaning of their beliefs.
"System of symbols" are things that represent and/or signify something in a religion. This picture shows the main symbols of many different religions. These are the symbols most commonly brought to mind when these religions are thought about. For instance, if someone says something about Judaism the first thing that pops in mind is the star of David (one of the symbols on the cloth). It is said taht this symbol represents and signifies the Holy Trinity, and that it was used as a shield by King David. It is also the symbol of Irael (God's chosen people).
Another symbol of this cloth is the Om of Hinduism. This sign represents piety, divinity and authority. It also symbolizes "the Absolute-source of all exsistance." With that said it is easy to see why this symbol is the most important one in Hinduism, it embodies the meaning of the religion and life for believers. I could do this for evey symbol, but as seen with these two, symbols are very important to have. For believers they serve as reminders of their faith and the meaning of their beliefs.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Being An Insider & Outsider
This week in class we talked a little about the advantages and disadvantages of being an insider or an outsider of a religion. The point of this class is to look at religion from an outside perspective. A point I kind of brought up in class is that it is easier to take an outside perspective of a religion that's not your own.
Since we started looking at Christianity I've had the problem of taking the insider perspective, because that is what I am. It's hard to look at your own religion from outside because this usally entails questioning the practices and beliefs. What you believe is what you believe and eventally what you are becomes why you are. For instance, take a true Christian that loves all with the love of God. Many may say why is he/she like that, and the answer is because of what he/she is a Christian. Also when you are an insider it's hard to analyze your religion because it involves spectulation. It is difficult because you feel that you don't need to spectulate about things of your religion, you already know why certain things are done. This are the drawbacks of being an insider in this type of class. But on the other hand, you may be able to educate and outsider.
As an outsider your mind is more open. Personally feelings and beliefs don't stand in the way of how you interpret a religion. At the same time though all you are able to do is assume. By assuming comes the risk of misinterpreting the religion. Due to the fact that their is no personal connection as an outsider, there is no meaning (significance) of the things you look at (i.e. text, practices, etc.). This can also lead to misinterpretation.
In closing, it is definately good and bad sides to both perspectives. But I think for me it's kind of interesting haveing both perspectives. Being an insider I know about my religion but being an outsider let's me consider alternative interpretations and learn what others may think about my religion and enables me to examine it through that lens and sometimes understand that point of view.
Since we started looking at Christianity I've had the problem of taking the insider perspective, because that is what I am. It's hard to look at your own religion from outside because this usally entails questioning the practices and beliefs. What you believe is what you believe and eventally what you are becomes why you are. For instance, take a true Christian that loves all with the love of God. Many may say why is he/she like that, and the answer is because of what he/she is a Christian. Also when you are an insider it's hard to analyze your religion because it involves spectulation. It is difficult because you feel that you don't need to spectulate about things of your religion, you already know why certain things are done. This are the drawbacks of being an insider in this type of class. But on the other hand, you may be able to educate and outsider.
As an outsider your mind is more open. Personally feelings and beliefs don't stand in the way of how you interpret a religion. At the same time though all you are able to do is assume. By assuming comes the risk of misinterpreting the religion. Due to the fact that their is no personal connection as an outsider, there is no meaning (significance) of the things you look at (i.e. text, practices, etc.). This can also lead to misinterpretation.
In closing, it is definately good and bad sides to both perspectives. But I think for me it's kind of interesting haveing both perspectives. Being an insider I know about my religion but being an outsider let's me consider alternative interpretations and learn what others may think about my religion and enables me to examine it through that lens and sometimes understand that point of view.
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