This post highlights the work required of my SA 202:
Introduction to Anthropology students. Students were given the opportunity to
research and identify the origins and meanings of a specific American phrase
that they selected. Several students were given the opportunity to have their
exemplary work featured on the blog, and the students who provided permission
have their work featured here in this and the following blog posts. Please show
your appreciation for their work through the comments.
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| The phrase "can't teach an old dog new tricks" came from a dog training manual, but it has morphed into referring to any individual who refuses to learn (Image Source: Pritchett Cartoons) |
By: Bianca Ekholm
For this discussion, I
chose the phrase "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." I chose this
phrase because it is a phrase that I have heard many times before, but I
have never learned the actual meaning of it. I have always taken this
term more literally and assumed that it meant that it is easier to teach
a young person new things than it is an older person who might not care
to learn anymore. After conducting research, I learned that I was
somewhat correct in my original definition. The phrase has a long
history, with some historians tracing its origins back to a 1523 book by
an Englishman named Fitzherbert, which focused on animal care. The book
was specifically referring to training a dog to follow a scent. The
phrase was originally written in a more literal manner as older dogs are
not as physically or mentally capable of learning new skills or tricks
as younger dogs. Today, the phrase means that it is often hard to change
a persons already developed habits or characteristics in order to teach
them something new. The phrase originally shifted to its current
meaning in 1721, when Nathan Bailey used the phrase metaphorically to
allude to people and their struggle to learn new things or change
habits/behaviors. The meaning changed overtime because of the broad lack
of desire to change in society. Some may use the phrase to describe
their frustration with someone else's refusal to change habits, while
others may use it to defend and explain why they resist change, even if
the change may be for their own benefit. The meaning and use of this
phrase in our current day says that most of humanity does not like
change. While many people may seek change or strive to be overall
better, there is an underlying stubbornness and resistance that holds
those individuals back from evolving or making major adjustments in
their lives.
Work Cited:
Steenson, Tony, et al. “You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks ... or Can You?” Unimed Living, https://www.unimedliving.com/men/true-man/you-can-t-teach-an-old-dog-new-tricks-or-can-you.html.
“Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?” Wonderopolis, wonderopolis.org/wonder/can-you-teach-an-old-dog-new-tricks.
You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks - Cambridge English Dictionary, dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/you-can-t-teach-an-old-dog-new-tricks.
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| A woman receiving unsolicited comments is a form of catcalling. (Source: Google Images) |
By: Donovan Joyner
Let's discuss the
term “Catcalling.” I have chosen this term because I respect and
appreciate women. Before conducting any research, I believed that
“catcalling” referred to when a man whistles or makes a comment to a
woman he finds attractive in hopes of getting her attention. According
to the article The Evolution of Catcalling, the first use of the term
catcall originated in the Shakespearean era, where it was used to mock
performers. The audience would shriek and cry in a manner similar to a
cat’s meowing, using the term as a way to show disapproval at plays.
Originally, it had no connection to street harassment. However,
over time, the meaning evolved. Today, according to Merriam-Webster
Dictionary, catcalling is defined as “the act of shouting a loud,
sexually suggestive, threatening, or harassing call or remark at someone
publicly.” Essentially, it is now understood as a form of sexual
harassment.
The meaning of catcalling began to shift in the 20th century.
In the 1940s, cartoonist Tex Avery created the character Slick Joe
McWolf, a wolf known for drooling and whistling when seeing an
attractive woman. This behavior was notably depicted in Red Hot Riding
Hood, a reimagined version of Little Red Riding Hood. Despite its
exaggerated nature, the cartoon was rated ‘U’ (suitable for all
audiences), potentially influencing young boys and men to view such
actions as normal and acceptable (Lee 1).
Catcalling is often dismissed as a "compliment," but genuine
compliments come from trusted individuals in appropriate situations, not
from aggressive strangers. In today's culture, catcalling is understood
as a form of objectification and dominance rather than admiration. This
reflects a broader societal issue where women's discomfort is
overlooked, and catcalling is used to boost the caller’s self-esteem
without considering its impact on those targeted (Lee 1).
Work Cited
Lee, Jessica. “The Evolution of Catcalling.” That’s What She
Said Magazine, 26 Nov. 2022,
twssmagazine.com/2022/11/26/the-evolution-of-catcalling/.
“Catcalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catcalling. Accessed 15 Feb.
2025.
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