Potlatch

In the folder “18 Trans Media” as part of the class readings there is a Wikipedia definition and description of what a potlatch is. I found it interesting because it is interesting to see how other civilizations live. A potlatch is a big ceremony among indigenous people within North America. These ceremonies are usually for weddings, birth ceremonies, rites of passage, funerals, and to honor the dead. Hierarchical relations are an important part of these ceremonies. The host shows off their wealth by giving away the resources gathered for the event. This in return increases their social status.

Potlatching has actually been illegal in the United States since the late 19th century. It was made illegal because it was considered unproductive and dangerous to its participants. It was again made legal in 1934. It is interesting that it was ever made illegal because in the United States we are granted many freedoms and making something illegal for reasons of being unproductive or a risk of getting injured does not seem constitutional.