Did anyone read 'Cultural Baggage" barbara ehrenreich...what is it about? I really dont undersatdn this articl

Question

Did anyone read 'Cultural Baggage" barbara ehrenreich...what is it about? I really dont undersatdn this article Please help

Answer 1

do ur own homework

Answer 2

Ehrenreich seems to be reacting to the propensity for many people to adopt whole-heartedly the rites, behaviours, dress and beliefs of their ancestors. While some embrace this type of action, proudly expounding about cultural roots, connecting with the past, and getting back to simpler times, Their cultural heritage is her cultural baggage; same idea, but vastly different feels

Ehrenreich decries this idea. In her mind, her ancestors had a rough go of it, and did not live in a time of computers, airplanes, video messaging and 54 inch TV screens. Their way of existing died out a long time ago, and there it should stay. The old ways were useful in the old days, but not now. In fact, by her way of thinking, re-adopting old ways is a block to understanding and enjoying the new. I would guess that she is thinking more of endemic racism, fear of certain foods due to probability of infection and disease, belief in superstition, wife and child beating, slavery, etc. By clinging to the past, she believes that people refuse to embrace the here and now, and are terrified of the future.

Ultimately, what you should take away from this article is that she represents the extreme idea that you should take nothing in terms of tradition from your family past. Everything should be viewed openly, without any cultural tainting. Her idea is almost impossible, because regardless of where you grow up, you have cultural taint. Her own children are tainted with her beliefs, and in fact carry their own cultural baggage because of her. Her entire idea and premise is therefore self-defeating.