Cultural Geography Final Exam

ethnicity

Sense of “peoplehood”. Members share cultural similarities different from other groups. May be viewed by members and outsiders as religious, Racial, Linguistic, or a geographic group. Tolerance looens ethnic bonds, while rejection or subordination strenthens ethnic bonds.

Ethnocentrism

Belief that one’s own group is unique and right. Consider themselves “right” and others “wrong”.

Race

Differential concentrations in DNA for certain physical traits. Ex: skin color. Number of races in humans: 4, 3, or maybe 30 or more. Boundaries among races are arbitrary. Race is just a social construction created and given meaning by people from a culture.

Racism

Intolerance of people perceived to be inherently or genetically inferior based on their race. Wrongly ties culture and race. No scientific basis for racial superiority or inferiority

Nazi Lebensborn Program

Nazi wanted genetically pure and superior babies. Children of “racially pure” SS officers and their wives (and mistresses). Now in their 80s and 90s, as a group, they are remarkably average, no different than other people.

Prejudice

Mindset where an individual or group: Accepts a Negative social definitions as truth for some other group. Applies perceived negative traits to ALL individuals of the other group. Cultural belief or attitude: learned or acquired; conscious or subconscious level; deeply ingrained or internalized. Is thought, not action.

Stereotypes

Define all people of a group. Over-simplistic and mostly negative behaviors

Discrimination

Action to apply prejudice. People with prejudice do not always discriminate. May be institutionalized usually to control a racial or ethnic group. De Jure (by law) and De Facto (by practice).

De Jure

by law, in context to racism. Jim crow laws in the US South (1870s-1960s). Control and segregate blacks from the rest of society.

De Facto

By practice, in terms of racism. Ex: Glass ceiling: No written policies to discriminate agains a group, but people of tht group will not get promoted above a certain level

Ethnicity and Ancestry in USA

The US government keeps records to determine if minority groups are being discriminated against. Ex: US Census

US Census

Self-identity: race and ethnicity. More people in the USA of German ancestry than any other ethnic or racial group. Contributes to assumptions that: Race has an “official” definition Not defined by culture. Race is defined by culture!

US Census Bureau

1970 . Invented the term “Hispanic”. Separate question from “Race”. 2010 Census recognizes increasing number of mixed-race households in the USA.

minority group options in USA

Assimilation (view US society as a “Melting Pot”. Minority groups gradually lose most: culture traits, beliefs, and practices that distinguish ethnic membership and become “Americans”. Doesn’t usually end up that way. More often than not there is ethnic pluralism leading to ethnic enclaves, ghettos, ethnic neighborhoods, and etahnoburbs.

pluralism

Immigrant ethnic groups resist pressures to fully assimilate

ethnic enclaves

Geographic areas with large concentrations of members of an ethnic group. Voluntarily cluster together. Late 20th-century migration. Persistence of an ethnic identity. conduct social activities together. Largely tied to communication technology.

In the ghetto

ethnic group forced to settle into a restricted area. Started in medieval Europe. in the USA usually is the newest immigrant group forced into a ghetto and can only rent or sell to ethnic groups if they live in the ghetto.

ethnic neighborhoods

voluntary settlment by ethnic groups in urban areas. Ex: chinatown and little Italy. began as ghettoes and later became voluntary clustering, with their ehtnic identity tied to geographic neighborhood.

ethnoburbs

1990s to today. Voluntary suburban settlements. Multi-ethnic. Unlikely to have one ethnic group as a majority. From globalization

religion

A set of beliefs and practices, through which people seek: Emotional and physical harmony with the powers of the universe. People attempt to: Influence and accommodate the awesome forces of: Nature, Life, Death 

proselytic religions

Proselytize: Actively seek new members. Goal to convert all of mankind

Ethnic religions

Identified with a particular ethnic or tribal group. Do not actively seek converts. Ex: Judaism: Associated with Jewish ethnic group. Not all jews practice the Jewish religion. Vast majority of practitioners of Judaism are Jewish

polytheism

believe in more than one deity

monotheism

believe in one deity

religion

a central defining trait for many cultural groups

three major monotheistic religions

judaism, christianity, islam

Judaism

Monotheistic religion originating in the Middle East. One of the world’s oldest religions. Torah: sacred text. Worship Yahweh (God in Hebrew). God of Abraham. God tells Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, but he doesn’t have to. Waiting for the Messiah, “The Anointed One”, in Hebrew. Ethnic Religion

Christianity

Monotheistic religion originating in the Middle East. New Testament teachings of Jesus Christ and St. Paul. Worship God of Abraham. Jesus Christ - Messiah = Christos. Jesus was crucified, then rose from the dead. Teachings of Jesus later diffused through his disciples and St. Paul. Preached on the coming Kingdom of God.

Jerusalem

Sacred city of judaism, christianity and islam.

Islam

monotheistic religion originating in Middle East. Islam is the religion, muslims the people. Worship Allah (Arabic word for “God). God of Abraham: asked to sacrifice his son ISHMAEL, not ISAAC. Year 613, angel gives muhammad word of allah in mecca. Muhammad is the prophet for islam, spread it through arabs and arab culture. One night muhammad ascended into heaven and came back (that place is the Dome of the Rock). Mecca is the most sacred place as its Muhammad’s home.

All Muslims must believe:

Virgin birth of Jesus and Jesus is the Messiah.

Five pillars of Islam

1. profession of faith

2. daily prayer- 5 times a day, facing towards Mecca

3. giving gernerously to charity

4. month of fasting during Ramadan - no food or liquid from sunrise to sundown

5. make the Haj- the pilgrim to Mecca

Divisions withing Islam

Sunni- about 85% of muslims today

Shia - Shi’ites, majority in Iran(90%) and Iraq (65%)

Prince Siddartha Gautama - Buddhism

Born in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal or India. Meditating under a tree near a river had an “awakening”. Changed his name to Buddha: Supremely enlightened one.

Four Noble Truths of Buddhism

1. All living things endure suffering

2. Desires cause Suffering- Attachment to “self” leads to reincarnation

3. End Suffering: Abandon all cravings and desires

4. End Suffering by following the Eightfold Path: Gradual self-improvement

• Then enter into a state of NIRVANA

  • End passion, ignorance, aggression, and struggle

    • State of being

Middle path of buddhism

Balanced approach to life and practice. Avoids extremes: Indulgence and deprivation; Even about Buddhism. No Fanaticism

buddhism being non-theistic

buddha was a man, not a god. Taught how to reach Nirvana, not what is revealed when you reach enlightenment.

divisions within Buddhism

1. Theravada Buddhism: sri lanka and southeast asia. Older tradition, less religious. Meditation focus. Mostly monks reach Nirvana.

2. Mahayana Buddhism: Tibet, China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan. “bodhisattvas”: enlightened persons delaying Nirvana to help others reach enlightenment. Younger, more religious. More accessible, being able to reach Nirvana in 1 lifetime, and can be a part of another religion. More than just one Buddha.

Shinto

Indigenous religion of Japan. VERY different from most religions. NO: Founder, sacred texts, or systematized doctrine. At least 80% of Japanese participate in Shinto. The vast majority say that they are NOT religious and also practice Buddhism

Origin of Shinto

Folk religion started ~300 BC. Form of Animism, a belief that objects, places, and creatures possess a spiritual essence

Kami

What Shinto worships. Often translated as god or deity, very different from God of Abraham. They are spirits of physcial forces, forces of nature, and even spirits of dead emperors or ancestors. Ancient Japan kami could be volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, rivers and vast forests. Physical world is sacred, and they have a relationship with it. There is no one all powerful kami. Instead, there are many kami watching over the world. Can live inside objects in shrines and more than one shrine. People interact with Kami through prayer, sacrifices, festivals, etc.

Kami Geography

Some worshiped across Japan. Ex: Inari. Others only in one location such as a village, waterfall, mountain, trees or even rocks.

Yokai

Not kami. Weird, mystical monsters often bad towards people, but sometimes good.

This next part may or may not be a part of the test:

Examples of Yoke:

Kitsune (foxes): Powerful paranormal abilities. Good and bad. Also protect people. Ex: Inari shrines

Tanuki: raccoon-dog: Tricksters. Statues outside shops and restaurants

Purification

People naturally pure. Rituals to purify after spiritual pollution: Water basins at shrines and Salt. Ex: Sumo wrestlers throwing salt before a match

Shrines

Enshrine Kami. Grand architectural structures. Small and local. Torii gates mark entrance to shrines and serve as boundary between secular world and sacred shrine area. Accepting of all people. Amulets can be worn to get Kami to protect you.

Shimenawa

sacred rope enclosing sacred spaces

Shinto and Buddhism

Buddhism entered Japan in the 500s and mixed with Shinto until the 1870s, when the government banned mixing the two. The ban ended in 1945, and many people practice both. “Shinto weddings, Buddhist Funerals”. Shinto is seen more as a part or way of life.

State shinto

1870-1945. Shrines are under control of government. Nationalistic. Emperor worshiped as living Kami (kind of). Ends in 1945. Shinto legally separated from government.

Origins of Hinduism (two theories)

Classical theory: 1500 BC: Indus R. Valley. Came from a mix of religions by Local groups and Aryan migrants entering the Indus R. Valley. European ideas, prejudices, and theories from the 1700s and 1800s. Now rejected by most archaeologists and religious historians

Emerging theory: Indus R. Valley Civilization, 3500-1800BC. Religious practices developed over several thousand years

Hinduism

In India, it is called Sanatana Dharma: Eternal Religion. Considered to be the world’s oldest religion. The oldest sacred texts are about 1000 years older than the Hebrew Scriptures (torah/Old Testament).

Aryan

Term for linguistic group and broad cultural group. Not racial – even in ancient times

Hinduism beliefs and practices

There is no Single founder. Central religious organization. Generally very tolerant of other religions. Vedas – 4 primary Sacred Texts containing: Religious songs, Incantations, and Rituals from ancient India. The soul can be united with the Ultimate truth through contemplation, meditation, and Karma. The Henotheistic view: most forms of Hinduism, acknowledge multiple gods and goddesses. Each are an aspect of the One Supreme God. Some forms of Hinduism recognize multiple gods instead of one Supreme.

Hinduism- Transmigratioin of the soul

Samsara – Reincarnation. After death, transfer one’s soul into another body. Continuing cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. Upon death, Karma is measured. Karma is the sum of all good and bad deeds. Determines how you live your next life. Reborn higher level requires Life of pure acts, thoughts, devotion, etc . Reborn at a lower level or as an animal for too many bad deeds.

hinduism- Caste system

4 defined castes: 1) Brahmins: Priests 2) Kshatriyas:Kings and Warriors 3) Vaishyas: traders 4) Sudras: laborers

5th undefined: Dalits - outcast untouchables, so low they are outside of caste system and are lowest socially. Many converted to buddhism or christianity because of discrimination.

Urban areas: castes don’t have as much power, but still has discrimination. In rural areas the practice is largely preserved.

Hindu- mark on forehead

Sign of piety. Symbolized the “Third Eye”. Focused inward towards God. Varies with regions and local traditions. Men – gradually going out of style. Women:Unmarried – Black dot, Married – red dot, Today – whatever color that matches the saris

Fundamentalism

Return to founding principles of a Religion. May include: Literal interpretation of sacred text and Trying to follow the religious founder as closely as possible. Followers often see themselves as true followers. Attempt to purify beliefs and practices. Often regarded as anti-modern and intolerant. Fundamentalists in all religions usually dispute this claim. Term often used in a negative way, despite vast, overwhelming Majority of Fundamentalists preaching and practicing peace. Reason for rise in Fundamentalism in the last 4.5 decades: Changing culture and sometimes a response to rising Secularization.

Secularization

Broad patterns of decline in religiosity. Causes: Modernization and Urbanization, and Government promoting secularization

France: Since the French Revolution, 1789 discourages public displays of religious faith. School bans of religious symbols.

Turkey: 1923 – secular government instead of a theocracy. Some changes in recent years away from secularization

USSR and China: Communist. Promoted deliberate secularization

USA – Secular Government - Arguably the first secular country. No religion may dominate. 1st Amendment – Freedom of Religion. Free to practice and free to Change your religion or Not practice a religion

Europe- Many parts are highly secularized today

Churches in Africa sending missionaries to: Europe and USA. Received Christian missionaries for centuries and now returning the favor to stop increasing secularization. Small, but rapidly growing Evangelical Protestant churches in parts of Europe

diffusion of Christianity

Proselytizing religion.

contagious diffusion: disciples of Jesus. Diffusion through personal contact/conversations

expansion diffusion: more and more people became Christian. Jesus preaching to crowds. Snowballing effect

missionaries carried christianity outside of the cultural hearth in Palestine. Travel was easier/safer because roman empire had time of peace (Pax Romana) and had armies protecting roads and shipping.

St. Paul

From Tarsus. Persecuted early Christians. On the Road to Damascus, blinded by the light of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit and converted to Christianity. Roman citizenship - Had rights to travel not available to most Jews. Traveled extensivel,y spreading the word through:

Hierarchical diffusion: First to cities. Rapid through the Roman Empire. Roman roads connected cities directly. Rapid diffusion

Spread locally through Contagious Diffusion: Daily contact between Christians in Towns and Pagans (non-believers) in the countryside

Roman Empire and Christianity

313 AD - Emperor Constantine embraced Christianity

380 AD - Became Rome’s Official Religion. Rapid diffusion through the Roman Empire. Many converted to the official religion

Splits in Christianity

Developed  by the 300s AD

Eastern Roman Empire- More Greek culture. Orthodox Christianity

Western Roman Empire- More Roman. Roman Catholicism. Not official until 1054

14th century - Splits began from Roman Catholicism

1517 - Oct 31st -Martin Luther posted 95 Theses on the door of his church

Protestant Reformation- Split from the Roman Catholic Church

1532-1534 in England- King Henry VIII creates the Church of England separate from the Roman Catholic Church

1500s- Europeans largely Christian. Colonizing North and South America and took religion with them. (Relocation diffusion)

Latin America - Largely Spanish and Portuguese. Roman Catholic

North America - Largely British and German. Protestant

Bible Belt

Across the southern US. Dominated by Baptists, and many other Protestant groups

Baptists 1790s and early 1800s little central organization in US. Itinerant “Circuit Riders”: preachers traveled around a region

Baptists needed no formal training. Just “call to preach”. Anybody who wanted to preach could just do it.

Other churches: some training, didn’t spread as fast in South

Lutheran

North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa

Scandinavian immigrants in 1870s – 1910 came mostly here

Roman Catholic

Industrialized areas of the Northeast. Many Irish immigrants. Later from Italy, Poland, etc

California, Nevada, South Arizona, New Mexico, South Texas- Large Hispanic populations. Used to be part of Mexico

South louisiana- Former French colony

mormons

Utah, South idaho, west Nevada, and southwest wyoming. Joseph Smith gets the Book of Mormon, 1820s, New York  and starts the Mormon religion. Kicked out of many places. Moved to west. Joseph Smith killed in Illinois, 1844. Brigham Young leads Mormons across the US Great Plains away from groups that will persecute them to Salt Lake City

Religious Diversity

Most Diversity: Upper Midwest and Great Plains

Lots of Diversity: US south

Single largest religious group in the USA: Religiously unaffiliated : 28%

Church of God with Signs Following

Loosely organized Pentecostal churches, ministers, and itinerant preachers. “Snake Handlers”. Started in the hills of Tennessee just before 1910. George Hensley started it, refering to passages in Mark and Luke claiming if you have faith, being bit or drinking the poison of snakes won’t kill you. Mountains of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia

Cargo Cults

Origin- Late 1800s in the South Pacific Islands. Europeans arrived with ships filled with industrial goods. “Cargo”- is the Source of Europeans strength, power, and wealth. South Pacific Islanders believe if they could get Cargo from ancestors they could kick out Europeans. Built docks to attract ships full of Cargo

WWII- Vanuatu Islands. Staging area for troops and equipment. Ships and Planes filled with Cargo. Troops left and took cargo with them. Islands lost Cargo (wealth)

Believe one person is responsible for Cargo- John Frum. He will return with Cargo and a huge army that resides inside the Volcano. Upon return of John Frum they will all turn white and kick out all white people (Europeans, Americans, Australians). They build docks and airstrips with fake planes to attract cargo