Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Book Reading 25 - Coming of Age in Samoa

Chapter 8 – The Role of the Dance
Summary

The dance is extremely important in defining attitudes towards each other in Samoan culture.  It is also one of the few times when the younger children are the focus of attention.  Children with handicaps appeared to be the most popular dancers as well, as these added to their personalities in dance.  Along with the state of sexual relations, the ability of a child to dance is crucial to their self-image.

Discussion
While shy people refuse to dance in this country, it’s interesting that shy Samoan children dance regardless of being shy.  They might be terrified of doing so, but they do it anyway.  I personally think that constantly putting themselves out there will build their self-confidence, so this can be a good thing.  It was also interesting that the personalities they projected while dancing did not necessarily project how they were outside of that environment.  Even if they are a free spirit, the confines of that society would not allow them to be.

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