Ethnographic Journaling

Ethnographic Journaling 

A Poor Man Shame Us All 

We meet the Garba ethnic group of the north-eastern deserts of Kenya in 'A poor man shames us all', in which they emphasize giving more than receiving. Unfortunately, there has been widespread drought and many cattle have died, but the residents of the area are still proud of their remaining animals and grateful. People in the community are deeply rooted in their culture and don't let the outside world interfere with their beliefs and respect for goats and camels. Their main virtue is generosity and hospitality, which is evident in how they live. Despite Boru's father's initial reluctance, Boru's father agrees to give a camel to a stranger who approaches their village after their animal dies due to the drought (Maybury-Lewis, 2016). According to them, a truly well-lived life entails helping other people whenever you can, regardless of your financial situation; people are more important than possessions. 

Similarly, another story featuring a garbage collector in the city portrays this human extravagance. Being a garbage collector, the man finds things still in good shape and usable in the trash cans. Nonetheless, he cannot take them because the municipality owns them, which would be considered theft. His job has taught him to be grateful for everything. To him, life is defined by his family and the fact that his family depends on him for survival. According to the garbage collector, it is that value to him that makes life meaningful, and he will do anything he can to make sure that he can provide for them as long as he is alive. 

The virtue of generosity has become rare in today's society. People are more concerned with possessing things even when they don't need them and attach more value to their possessions than they do to people and interpersonal relationships. Parents typically leave their homes and responsibilities to look after their children to go to work. The work they do and the money they earn allow them to provide material things for their children so that they can get satisfaction from working. In society, materialistic values have several implications, and the parent scenario is just one example. People also strive for top jobs due to status and that is why most want to be in the top 10%. If they must sacrifice most things to gain a prestigious position that will make them known, then that's what they will do. 

In Maybury-Lewis's interpretation of life, we should give reverence and time to the things for which we have respect. In the beginning, he introduces the publicly accepted phrase which says that if you don't own what you should, you don't exist. Although some people have little material possessions, he believes some have a lot to offer despite their limited material possessions. When Maybury-Lewis uses his stories to illustrate his belief in a rich life, he illustrates the irony in measuring one's life by material possessions. Throughout his stories, he shows how someone can have wealth without necessarily owning much, as exemplified in the modern world. Giving the little you have to help those close to you or having good relations with the people around you can make your riches than having money without relationships. 

The Art of Living 

As part of this episode, Maybury-Lewis presents a story that depicts two societies, one in which art is separate from life, and one where both are combined.  Separation becomes counterintuitive to him and life becomes an art form in itself. He believed that life and art should not be separated, as that would deprive people of a wholesome way of life. The interdependence of art and life among tribal people is just as evident as that between body and soul. Wodaabe people, who live in the deserts of West Africa, do not distinguish between the arts and the rest of their lives. During their annual month-long festival held after the rainy season, this phenomenon is evident. In order to celebrate this occasion, they organize a beauty and elegance contest in which young girls and boys dance together and girls pick the young man they fancy. Neither girls nor boys appear to be seeking anything else; they are just looking for a young man. Festivals like this celebrate all aspects of life including beauty, elegance, and eloquence. 

Furthermore, the season of the year and environment of such festivals contributes to elevating the mood. Besides how well they decorate their calabashes, married women take pride in how well they decorate their houses.  In contrast, men wear jewelry and are often covered in ochre. In spite of the harsh conditions and limitations they face in the desert, this practice of incorporating art into daily life makes their lives worth living. In addition, they do not have to adhere to societal norms such as those that are commonplace. As a young girl, for instance, you can sleep with more than one man in order to grow up. The Wodaabe people can lead fulfilling and wholesome lives by including art in their daily lives. 

Among the most notable differences between modern civilizations and more traditional societies is the way life is perceived as difficult and unfulfilling. It is common for people to separate professions from what they enjoy because of societal norms. The common practice among youth is to give up their talents, such as their talents in art, as part of a search for formal jobs that will raise their social status. Even though people may face pressure from their parents, spouses, employers, and challenging economic times sometimes, society should allow people to explore art as a part of their daily lives, not as something separate from them. Only a few people who have the courage to defy social norms can lead fulfilling lives. It seems, however, that the liberalization of the economy and the realization of the importance of art has succeeded in making art a profession in some countries. This allows them to live fulfilling and productive lives. 

In Maybury-Lewis' view, life is not categorizable, because a quality life is unencumbered by distinctions. We should live a unified life of body, mind, and spirit. He offers an insightful interpretation, particularly when he alludes to times when his body and soul seem to be at odds with one another (Maybury-Lewis, 1993). He offers an insightful interpretation, particularly when he alludes to times when his body and soul seem to be at odds with one another (Maybury-Lewis, 1993). In a world where we combine the two, most people would have a better quality of life and would be more productive. However, the modern world does not always allow for that, as some situations require someone to be able to think clearly and make good decisions. While the modern world is not faced with the same problems as the Wodaabe people, combining art and lifestyle could potentially exacerbate these problems. Due to this, people should distinguish between the two and use them appropriately in our modern society. It is essential, however, to combine the two in the case that it is beneficial to do so. Time is treated as a valuable commodity in modern society. 

Touching the Timeless 

As Maybury-Lewis tells these stories in this episode, we see that the unpredictability of life and the timelessness of life are united. Religion, spirituality, and roles played by communities are all featured in this documentary. Although most of the rituals and ceremonies in which they participate are incomprehensible to them, the communities in this study are deeply rooted in their beliefs. To appease their forefathers, they must adhere to their strict belief systems. Most tribal communities often place greater value on pleasing their departed than reverently honoring their living members. Nepalese communities, for example, live by the mantra that life is timeless. They believe, there is a mysterious valley that still remains unexplored for them. According to them, vices are widespread all over the world, and until the right people are present and the right circumstances are in place, the valley will remain a mystery (Maybury-Lewis, 1992).  Having this sense of mystery assures the Nepalese community that better days are ahead of them. 

According to another story, Mexican pilgrims, led by a shaman, take part in an annual pilgrimage surrounded by Christian pilgrims. The pilgrims are led by a shaman, and they're not Christians. The depiction of religion here shows the existence of consciousness. Even in their most primitive forms, tribal communities are well aware of their beliefs as well as recognise their differences from nearby neighbors. In addition to hierarchy, every member of the community is expected to play a role during the pilgrimage. Since women do not accompany their husbands on pilgrimage, their participation in the religion relies on their husbands. They also use fire to symbolize their drive for the undying faith despite the end of life in their spiritual journey. 

Modern societies have religions. However, for the majority of people, it is merely a way of identifying and expressing themselves. They take pride in being associated with a particular religion but do not practice it as a way of life.  In the modern era, people do not live by timelessness and mystery, but rather proclaim affiliation with a religion without necessarily following its teachings. Schedules, timetables, and diaries help people remember where they need to be and what they need to do. The sense of timelessness is nonexistent for most people when they are already struggling to meet deadlines and tasks in a short amount of time. 

Conclusively, Maybury-Lewis believes that life is a journey and that it is not the destination that matters, but the journey. He believes everyone should make a pilgrimage of their own. One difference is that some people have a destination here, but others have a destination in another place. This difference influences the quality-of-life people to have. As a result of the difficulties one can encounter on the spiritual path, he acknowledges the need for a leader. People live lives that do not reflect the proclamations of their religions, which aligns with the recognition that religion is replete with controversies. This perspective may, however, lead to misunderstandings about timelessness. As opposed to tribal communities that are built around community beliefs and superstitions, other societies are based on time consciousness and observing time as if it were a religion. 

References 

Maybury-Lewis., D. (1992). Poor Man Shames Us All, Program 7 in Millennium: Tribal Wisdom in           the Modern World. Edmonton, AB: ACCESS—The Education Station.

 Maybury-Lewis, D. (1992). The Art of Living, Program 5 in Millennium: Tribal Wisdom in the Modern World. Edmonton, AB: ACCESS—The Education Station. 

Maybury-Lewis, D. (1992). Touching the Timeless, Program 6 in Millennium: Tribal Wisdom in the Modern World. Edmonton, AB: ACCESS—The Education Station.