Chapter 8 Post #3

Pick one concept from the assigned reading that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

I was interested in reading about the different types of rites there are. First off, a rite is, according to our text, “a publicly performed relative elaborate, dramatic, planned set of activities that consolidate various forms of cultural expressions into one event”. I never knew that there were so many rites in our society.

Some include rites of passage, rites of degradation, rites of enhancement, rites of renewal, rites of conflict reduction and rites of integration. I have participated in rites of passage when I was a freshman attending college and when I was learning my role as a basketball coach for young children. I have also participated in rites of integration many times in areas like Mardi Gras, work functions and other holidays.

It is very important to use these different types of rites because it acknowledges important people and events and it also reminds you of your accomplishments and achievements. It also strengthens cultures and communities because everybody gets together and celebrates while also remembering the important parts of their culture or community. These rites can also bring out the reasons why people are still participating in these events, which will help the communities and cultures to decide what is important to them and what is not.