LECTURE 7 Oct 23, 2013
"A Cigar is Not Always A Cigar" - Knowing Others: Symbols and Cross-cultural Implications
Main Points:
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Cultural, traditional and historical contexts shape the form that the arts take in different parts of the world
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Evolutionary psychology and anthropology demonstrate that some symbols, gestures and sounds are universal, but that culture determines perception, interpretation and meaning for these forms
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Increasing our awareness of our own cultural expectations of the arts can increase our ability to know others from diverse cultures by adopting their perspectives and expectations
Video Links:
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This humorous video demonstrates how the same gesture can have very different meanings in different cultures.
2. Although in contemporary times the swastika is associated with Nazism and hate, this video demonstrates the true origins and meaning of this cross-cultural symbol and advocates for its rehabilitation and restoration.
3. The documentary film Searching for Sugar Man shows how music that is not appreciated in its culture of origin can be adopted by another culture that is able to resonate with its meaning and message.
Photos:
Further Information:
When the Louvre Meets the Forbidden City: http://cctv.cntv.cn/lm/journeysintime/special/when_louvre_meets_forbidden_city/
World Swastika Rehabilitation Day: http://www.proswastika.org