Parties And Politics

7 Pages 1713 Words

ive. “We will also give some of the things that others have never given before, to make our name” (Strathern 2000, 93). By creating an atmosphere that is about political status the Kawelka have tied them-selves to a system of one-up-man-ship. Each time a Moka is thrown the sponsor must contend with the constant pressure of outdoing the last Moka given. Gifts, food, presentation, invitation - all are key to the preservation and elevation of status.
Christmas with the Nacirema – festivities for this occasion center around the last month of the year and include great fanfare, pomp and circumstance. Among the upper class of the Nacirema (a version of a big-man) Christmas has become as political as most other social gatherings, even though it began as a religious holiday for the culture. The parties have become more grandiose and the attendees more formal. Where once you would find family and close friends you may now observe business colleagues, employers, and members of society that may help your own social/pol...