Part 2

Focus on the split in perspectives regarding the emphasis on freedom and determinism.

Freedom vs. Necessity: A central theme involves the conflict between two perspectives.
- Freedom: Related to human agency, choices, and actions matter.
- Determinism: Suggests that outcomes are bound to happen, meaning some events are inevitable and cannot be changed.

Two Groups of Thought: Each group accuses the other of inadequate emphasis on their respective principles.
- One group feels the other overlooks freedom/human agency.
- The opposing group is seen as overly deterministic.

False Dichotomy: Cunningham asserts that the division between the two perspectives is overly simplistic and misleading.
- Reason 1: Politics and culture are intertwined and cannot be neatly separated.
- Example: Questions about military activities are connected to social norms and values, such as familial traditions of military service.
- Reason 2: Both perspectives incorporate elements of freedom and determinism.

Core Doctrine of Economism: All human behavior is founded upon material conditions.
- Material Base: This refers to economic production being the foundation to human behavior.
- Connection to Marxism: The material base (economic factors) gives rise to the upper Superstructure, which encompasses cultural expressions, ideas, norms, and values.
- Example: Relationship between coal mining (material base) and elements of Appalachian culture (superstructure).
Deterministic Implications: The perspective suggests that cultural expressions can be determined by and reduced to the material base.
- Critical viewpoint: Cunningham finds this to be illogical and impractical, as it overlooks the role of freedom in shaping culture.

Definitions of Culture in Relation to Appalachia:
- Culture of Poverty: Represents systemic socio-economic issues.
- Folk Culture: Refers to regional expressions and traditions.
Equating Both Concepts: Within Appalachian studies, these definitions have been conflated, leading to a stereotype of a subculture that is easily identifiable yet limiting.
- Stereotypical Expressions: Examples include the perception of Appalachian people as only being able to perform blue-collar tasks like crafting or low-skill jobs.
Disempowerment: This perspective limits the understanding of Appalachian culture and disempowers individuals by labeling them strictly within these stereotypes.

The conflation of folk culture and culture of poverty undermines the complexity of Appalachian identities.
- Cultural expressions such as bluegrass music or traditional foods are valuable but should not reduce identity to mere stereotypes or economic categories.
It leads to a disempowered view of subcultures where diversity is ignored.

Interrelationship of Politics and Culture: Emphasizes that they are entwined and that one influences the other.
- Referencing the documentary Harlan County, USA: The focal point is a labor strike, highlighting political issues while also showcasing cultural significance (like music).
Focus Areas for Politics and Culture:
- Emphasize dialogue, conversational engagement, and authentic relationships.
- Foster self-determination and one’s ability to shape their own identity.
- Agency and Subjectivity: Pertinent themes should push for the ability of individuals to perceive themselves as having worth, opportunity, and the quest for meaningful existence.