Chapter 8: The Role of Dance
Coming of Age in Samoa
Margaret Mead
Summary: In this chapter Mead discusses the importance of dancing in the Samoan community. She describes it as a very unique activity where all the common customs seen elsewhere do not apply, instead, they are in the opposite extreme. Dancing allows children to show their 'education' and are able to display their skills and abilities without being criticized for trying to do better than others. Also, adults instead of scoffing children as usual, encourage them to dance, and sit back to allow them to be the main focus of the activity.
Discussion: I never imagined how different and relevant dancing could be for their society. Mead mentions the pride of the parents when their children are talented and skilled at dancing, how they cheer for them. I can relate this to our society, for example when parents go to see their children play. I think there is a lot of commonality between their custom about dancing, and our traditions at sports games.
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