In the section "Taboo", Ackerman discusses the taboos of touching in our culture, as well as others. It's common sense, you would think, to know what's out of bounds in our culture as far as touching. Our unspoken rules of touch are relatively relaxed. However, can you imagine not being able to touch someone else's hair or neck? In Fiji, it is taboo to touch anyone's hair. Likewise, in Japan with the nape (neck) of women. I can't imagine not having my hair touched. It seems like such a simple thing, but it's something we take for granted.
Ackerman tells us that women are more likely to touch other women than men are to touch other men.... DUH. What she doesn't tell us is WHY. It's something I've always wondered. She also explains that people in a higher status position are more likely to use touch, which I find to be really interesting.
Yeah, Ackerman sometimes has a knack for telling the most obvious things along with making you think.
ReplyDeleteAnd I can hardly imagine not having people touch my hair? As Ackerman said, women tend to each other more,especially with their hair. Or even significant others or loved ones will brush your hair, and it is relaxing. (Which is odd? Maybe it is because we associate that touch with a touch of love?)
Your last point is also very insightful. I have often wondered that as well, and I wonder - not to get too feminist - if it goes back to gender roles and status from earlier times. Like for example, how men were viewed more important and superior to women, and so a woman could not initiate the touch except with children or other women. Also maybe it goes back to gender roles and how women are seen as the maternal and loving creatures. Therefore touch was associated as a feminine quality?
I do agree that it is so interesting what is taboo in other cultures compared to here. And as for people touching my hair...not. I don't know, never liked it I only let girlfriends of mine do it and then I like it, feels like being petted. As for not having my neck touched I couldnt imagine that. If one of my friends is in distress and upset it's not uncommon for one of us to grasp the back of their neck and comfort them. Furthermore, while being intimate I cannot deny that I like a hand on my neck and perhaps a kiss but we wont go into that. And the last comment was very interesting and a puzzling question at that. Perhaps people of higher status feel more confidant and in control, making casual touching to be a nonissue whereas it may be awkward for a man of lower status to casually touch a big wig CEO. Lastly on the subject, there is a large link between touch between humans and chain of command, History channel has a great documentary on it if youre interested. Overall, great piece.
ReplyDelete"If one of my friends is in distress and upset it's not uncommon for one of us to grasp the back of their neck and comfort them." This is nice. I don't think I've ever done this.
DeleteTouch as power is an interesting topic, for sure.
Touch is a really interesting thing to think about when it comes to different culture. Along with gestures, it just seems like doing certain things with your hands can mean a positive thing in one culture but be really offensive in another culture. I wonder if anyone in the class has had that experience abroad where culture shock leads to an embarrassing situation.
ReplyDeleteI also found the part about the touching of necks really interesting. I have a friend whose biggest fear in the world is having her neck touched. Maybe she has a little Japanese in her heritage!
When I was in about eight grade, I had a Thai friend named Nart. I'd heard that touching his head would bother him, and, not out of malice, I wanted to prove that it wouldn't.
ReplyDeleteI was unpleasantly surprised when he looked like he wanted to fight me when I went for it.
Katie, good stuff. Can you think about quoting directly from the text?
Also, is there a Short Takes response from this week?
Dave