The great pilgrimage center of southeastern Sri Lanka; Kataragama; has become in recent years the spiritual home of a new class of Hindu-Buddhist religious devotees. These ecstatic priests and priestesses invariably display long locks of matted hair; and they express their devotion to the gods through fire walking; tongue-piercing; hanging on hooks; and trance-induced prophesying.The increasing popularity of these ecstatics poses a challenge not only to orthodox Sinhala Buddhism (the official religion of Sri Lanka) but also; as Gananath Obeyesekere shows; to the traditional anthropological and psychoanalytic theories of symbolism. Focusing initially on one symbol; matted hair; Obeyesekere demonstrates that the conventional distinction between personal and cultural symbols is inadequate and naive. His detailed case studies of ecstatics show that there is always a reciprocity between the personal-psychological dimension of the symbol and its public; culturally sanctioned role. Medusa's Hair thus makes an important theoretical contribution both to the anthropology of individual experience and to the psychoanalytic understanding of culture. In its analyses of the symbolism of guilt; the adaptational and integrative significance of belief in spirits; and a host of related issues concerning possession states and religiosity; this book marks a provocative advance in psychological anthropology.
#386596 in Books 2002-04-01 2002-04-01Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.50 x 6.00l; 1.41 #File Name: 0226443418426 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Covers the bases as to why racism has its grip on American society (and refuses to let go)...By Rupert BurtonThere is a reason this kind of stuff isn't taught in schools today; there's a reason Ben Affleck didn't want his family history of slave ownership revealed; there's a reason for folks having to remind you that "Black Lives Matter" and; most of all; there's a reason why some folks will do ANYTHING (including going against their own beneficial interests) to preserve the institution of racism in the United States. After reading this fantastic; amazingly intriguing book; you will understand the concept of racism and how it was (and still is) used to promote and maintain the legacy of so-called "white supremacy" not only in the "stereotypical South"; but across the entire country. In my opinion; most people (regardless of color) KNOW that a racial hierarchy exists in this country; particularly among black and white people. Unfortunately; most people seem to take the "that's-just-how-things-are" approach while others are just in a full-blown state of denial when it comes to acknowledging the existence of white privilege. This book is a must read and should be required reading in every American high school.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Lexiethumbs up30 of 30 people found the following review helpful. Well Written; Concise; Great Breadth And Depth Of SubjectBy taking a restI believe a measure of a great Historical work is one that acts as a catalyst for further inquiry. As I read "The Unsteady March" I noted other topical areas discussed which would keep me reading for several months.This is not a dry textbook it is eminently readable. I am not suggesting this is a light read. I am saying the Authors did a remarkable job of conveying History; together with their own thesis; to create a book that should find a wide audience.The book goes well beyond the primary premise that the progression of Civil Rights only occurs when the need for non-white assistance is needed; and for varying period of times thereafter. Examples would include the larger military conflicts this country has experienced.What impressed me was that documentary sources were provided for the positions that the Authors espoused. There are nearly 60 pages of notes; which attest to the meticulous nature of their research.The subject of Race is extremely complex; and unlike other works this book does not offer up stillborn utopian solutions. The reader is given a detailed walk through the history of the issue; often accompanied by riveting quotes from historical figures that will surprise; and often shock.Another feature I found extremely useful were the occasional use of surveys that the Authors used sparingly but very effectively. The book also managed to utilize important statistical information without the obvious distortions that frequently contaminate such figures.In the final section entitled "Shall We Overcome" the book is brought to a well thought out and organized review. This is then combined with an examination of current racial climates and suggestions on what actions may help to improve these continued disparities among the Races. However the suggestions are offered; reasoned; and justified; not pompously hurled down; from an ivory or otherwise constructed tower.This is an extremely accessible book; that will serve as a reference work for me; and as mentioned; a catalyst for further reading.Extremely well done; highly recommended.
