Family unit

Topic: Family Composition

Source: My own experience and observations of my surroundings while growing up.

Relation: In chapter 5 of Cultural Anthro, we learned about the different compositions of family members within the Ju/wasi, Chinese, American, and Trobriander families.

Description: My immediate family is made up of my mother, my father and my two older brothers. After that comes my paternal grandparents and then my maternal grandparents. To my family grandparents are very important. When there are family meetings, family members all unite at my grandparent’s home. Other family members included are my aunts and uncle, my mother's brothers and sisters and my father's brothers and sisters, and their spouses and children.

Commentary/Analysis:There are different type of family compositions and my family is similar and at the same time different as the American family composition. I think families change when the grandchildren are older and have children. As the the children become parents the child's parent becomes a grandparent and then they develop a separate family unit.

Media's Portrayal of Magic Vs Contemporary practitioners of Magic

 Topic: Magic

Source: The many portrayals of magic in books and in movies, such as Harry Potter the book and movie series, Wizard of Waverly Place, and Lord of the Rings. Magicians who use tricks to amaze the public and call their tricks magic. In chapter fuor of Cultural Anthro by Robbins, The Metaphors of Contemporary Witchcraft and Magic and The Rituals of Contemporary Witchcraft and Magic.

Relation:In the media, magic is portrayed as a source of energy that can be used to defend and attack people or for the benefit of the person using magic. Magicians use their "magic" to entertain people, but in Cultural Anthro (pg 87-89) magic has a different meaning to practitioners.

Description: I have observed that in movies magic is a source of energy driven out of objects like wands and rings. In Harry Potter potions and spells were used to ward off evil characters. In Wizards of Waverly Place magic is used to solve personal issues or even entertain the characters. The media portrayal of magic is similar to contemporary magic in that they both use energy, either from themselves, the earth, or the universe. In contemporary practice of magic, "they emphasize natural foods, good health, and personal stability"(pg 88).



Commentary/Analysis: Some people are very judgmental when they hear someone say they practice magic or witchcraft. Many are not aware that others practice witchcraft, but it is not the type that is portrayed in the media.