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The Cultural Connections program explores the meaning of cultural difference through partner events based on the comparative anthropological framework of Common Concerns, Different Responses. Events are built upon a yearly theme that reflects a common cultural concern, such as finding shelter, constructing identity, forming communities, and coming of age. Cultural Connections partners (ethnic museums and cultural centers) work together in pairs to showcase various cultural responses to the yearly theme through joint public events. Themes provoke participants to define and redefine culture and consider ways in which culture is learned, shared, and dynamic.
The theme for the 2008-2009 program year is Bodies in Motion. Under this theme, partners compare important athletic activities, placing them in the wider context of shared community life. Specific events have explored how physical activity can act as a vehicle for advancing community as well as personal goals, how recreation can serve as an escape from the pressures of everyday life, and what role sports leagues have played in helping instill in children pride in their heritage while helping them to build their American identities through physical connection and recreation.
Explore some past Cultural Connections events around the common cultural themes of Narratives: Doorways to our Communities, Traditions of Transition: Understanding Rites of Passage, With Our Hands: Crafting Culture, and Language of Looks.
Narratives are stories of cultural significance passed down through generations. They're most often read but can be performed or presented in any number of ways. Their purpose is to pass on knowledge or social rules in the form of a story.
Rites of Passage mark a change in life stage, such as birth or marriage. A ritual designed to ease the individual or individuals into their new roles marks the transition between life stages. These rituals, called rites of passage, vary from culture to culture.
Handcrafts give concrete form to beliefs, practices, and stories. Characteristic cultural forms of handcrafts, such as handmade quilts and ceremonial masks, express cultural values and attitudes.
Language of Looks is the collection of messages about ourselves that we send and receive through appearance. Participating in the language of looks is unavoidable, because people read messages from our appearance, whether we want them to or not.
To see a full listing of past Cultural Connections events, visit our Past Events page.
continue to Crafting Culture >>
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