Sedaris; Culture; Responses

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What Generation Are You?
Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z?
How much do you think you've been influenced by: technology? education? history? science? economics?

Culture: What is it?

Culture Scientists and Anthropologists define culture as learned behavior acquired by individuals as members of a social group.

According to Edward Tyler in 1871: culture includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom and other capabilities or habits acquired by a group.
  • Culture is a learned behavior.
  • Culture is also used to refer to a highly cultivated person versed in art, philosophy, etc.
  • Culture includes insignificant behavior such as behavior traits, etiquette, food habits, as well as refined arts of a society.
  • Culture can also be considered as the sum total of human knowledge and acquired behavior of humankind.
  • Habits or behavior is generally transmitted from members to the young or outsiders until the outsider is also an insider, part of the group.
Language: common way of communication.
Language is a system of verbal and nonverbal symbols used to communicate ideas. The study of these symbols is what is known as semiotics.
Taboos: strict mores or behavior that is looked down upon in a culture (usually sexual)

Regardless of culture, all cultures include:
  • a primary means of subsistence
  • a primary family
  • a system of kinship
  • a set of rules of social conduct
  • religion (belief)
  • material culture (tools, weapons, clothing)
  • forms of art
cultural relativism: All cultures are rational in their own terms.

Our first writing unit, if you will, covers non-fiction. Please take a look at the information posted above this post regarding tips for writing successful non-fiction. When we get to the lab, you will be able to use this advice in starting your own writing.

Today, let's listen to David Sedaris' essay "Go Carolina." And, of course, respond to this essay in your notes.
NOTE: How does the author keep what would be an otherwise private or "boring" topic interesting? How does Sedaris use language, structure (narrative), or character effectively in his writing? Share your ideas with the class.
Popular authors often appeal to a generation of readers. As in all things, we must remember our audience. Take David Sedaris, for example.

INQUIRY: How might his work appeal to a wide audience? If he is not appealing to you, what might he be missing or overlooking as an author that might not appeal to you as a reader? Take a few minutes to consider the question, jot down observations, then share your ideas with the folks sitting around you. Have a short discussion focusing on the idea that authors should know their audiences.

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